Jamie Carragher Delivers Shocking Transfer Ultimatum to Mohamed Salah
Respected analyst Jamie Carragher urged Mohamed Salah to remain at Liverpool through the remainder of this campaign to ensure he doesn't forfeit the potential triumphs that could still come his way at Anfield. Nevertheless, the former player believes Salah's destiny beyond the 2025-26 season is already sealed.
Salah's Liverpool prospects became shrouded in doubt when the star striker publicly criticized both the club and manager Arne Slot following his exclusion from the starting lineup for three consecutive matches this month. The 33-year-old was subsequently sidelined but has since returned to the fold, making an impactful substitute appearance against Brighton on Saturday.
Carragher had been among Salah's harshest detractors, devoting significant time on last week's Sky Sports Monday Night Football to severely criticizing the player's "shameful" conduct. Seven days later, the former Liverpool centre-back had softened his stance.
Instead of insisting on punishment for his attempts to disrupt the team during a troubling period of poor form, both collectively and personally, Carragher encouraged Salah to persevere for several more months.
"Last week, I offered guidance to Mo Salah and his representative, and I'll do so once more," the ex-England defender remarked with a smile on this week's MNF. "Because what we witnessed at the conclusion of the Brighton match was Mo Salah showing a lack of gratitude, somewhat emotional with the Kop. He's likely uncertain whether that was his final appearance at Anfield.
"However, if he's contemplating departure, I would encourage him to reconsider.
"My reasoning is this: if Mo Salah leaves Liverpool now, speculation suggests he would join the Saudi league, which generates discussion there but likely nowhere else—except during transfer periods. Mo Salah won't depart Liverpool for Barcelona or Real Madrid.
"Liverpool could reach an FA Cup final in the season's second half. They might make a Champions League final. Can you picture Mo Salah in Saudi Arabia, playing for whichever club, watching Liverpool emerge in Budapest for their Champions League final?
"Return at January's end, you have three months remaining. Sure, you might clash with the manager. You'll start certain matches. You'll be substituted in others."
Looking beyond those three months, Carragher's prediction was unambiguous. "I cannot envision Mo Salah representing Liverpool next season," he stated.
Carragher: Salah 'Merits' Better From Liverpool
Reflecting on Salah's heartfelt acknowledgment to all sections of Anfield after Saturday's Brighton triumph, should that prove to be his final appearance for the club, Carragher questioned: "Does Mo Salah merit better than that as a Liverpool player?" His answer was affirmative.
"He merits a guard of honour," the former defender declared. "He merits a tribute display in the Kop. He merits the opportunity to bring his family, his spouse and children onto the pitch for his farewell match and receive proper recognition for his Liverpool achievements.
"So set aside your disagreements with the manager and consider this: three or four months at Liverpool—at worst, you receive this grand farewell. At best, you're walking out with your teammates in Budapest for the Champions League final."