Jamie Carragher has criticized Mohamed Salah for publicly expressing his disappointment regarding Liverpool’s failure to offer him a new contract, calling his comments “selfish.”
Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the season, hinted after a victory against Southampton that he felt more likely to leave than stay, as no new terms had been presented.
Despite his impressive form, with 12 goals this season, Carragher believes Salah’s remarks detract from Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures, including crucial matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City. He also suggested that such statements reflect self-interest rather than loyalty to the club.
Although Liverpool has not officially responded to Salah’s comments, a source mentioned that discussions between the club and Salah’s agent remain ongoing and positive.
Some, like Chris Sutton, argue that Salah’s comments in the mixed zone may indicate he is still keen to remain at Anfield.
“It wasn’t one of those where Mo Salah was asked to talk, he made an approach and wanted to speak to a couple of press guys to get things off his chest,” said the former Blackburn and Chelsea striker. “So in that respect, it says to me that he wants to stay.”
The Athletics Rory Smith added: “It strikes me that he is making it very clear to the Liverpool fans that he wants to stay and that if he doesn’t end up staying, it’s not a lack of intent on his part.
“The problem will be his age. Liverpool will be looking at the vast data set you have of footballers over the last 20, and 30 years, which suggests that at some point in your mid-30s, your performances do dip. They will wonder whether it is worth committing £300,000 a week or so to a player who might only have another year at this level.
“Or maybe he will have another two years at this level? Or another five or six? That’s the gamble Liverpool has to take.”
As well as Salah, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and club captain Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract at the end of the season.
“The most important thing for Liverpool Football Club this season isn’t the future of Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold,” added Carragher. “The most important thing is Liverpool winning the Premier League.
“I hope they don’t feel like this club would fall apart if they left. Steven Gerrard left the club and the next manager won the Premier League. Graeme Souness left and Liverpool won the Double.
“Salah, would we miss him? Of course we would. But Liverpool will move on.”
