Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has labelled Mohamed Salah “selfish” after the star forward publicly voiced his frustration over Liverpool’s failure to offer him a new contract.
Salah, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, told reporters after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Southampton that he is “probably more out than in” regarding his Liverpool future and has yet to receive an offer for an extension.
The 32-year-old remains the club’s top scorer this season with 12 goals across all competitions, including two crucial strikes against Southampton that helped the Reds maintain their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher expressed disappointment at Salah’s timing, with Liverpool set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League midweek and Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend.
“I must say I am very disappointed with Mo Salah,” Carragher said. “If he keeps putting comments out and his agent sends cryptic messages, that is selfish. It’s thinking about themselves, not the football club.”
While Liverpool have not officially responded to Salah’s remarks, a club source told the BBC that talks with Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, remain ongoing and positive.
Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, suggested Salah’s comments could indicate a desire to remain at Anfield.
“It wasn’t one of those where Salah was asked to talk; he actually approached reporters to speak his mind. That says to me he wants to stay,” said the former Chelsea and Blackburn striker.
Rory Smith of The Athletic added: “It feels like Salah is making it clear to Liverpool fans that he wants to stay. If he doesn’t, it won’t be for lack of trying on his part. However, Liverpool may be weighing up his age. At 32, the data shows that performances can decline mid-30s. Is it worth committing £300,000 a week to someone who might have only a year at this level? Or will he stay at his peak for longer? That’s the gamble.”
Salah isn’t the only key player whose future is uncertain, as defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract at the end of the season.
Carragher insisted that Liverpool’s focus should remain on their title race rather than contract renewals. “The most important thing for Liverpool Football Club this season isn’t the future of Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, or Trent Alexander-Arnold. It’s about winning the Premier League.
“Would we miss Salah if he left? Of course. But Liverpool will move on, as they did after Steven Gerrard and Graeme Souness. The club will not fall apart.”
Salah’s contract saga now looms as a potential distraction during a crucial phase of Liverpool’s campaign, as fans await clarity on whether the Egyptian star will remain a central figure at Anfield beyond this season.
