Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on the possibility of Mohamed Salah leaving the club amid interest from Saudi Arabia. The former Reds defender believes that Salah will stay at Anfield for at least one more season, but he also warned that the Egyptian star could be tempted by a lucrative move to the Middle East next summer.
Salah, 31, has been one of Liverpool's most consistent and prolific performers since joining from Roma in 2017. He has scored 153 goals in 231 appearances for the Reds, helping them win the Champions League, the Premier League and the FIFA Club World Cup. He has also won two Golden Boots and was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2018.
However, Salah's future at Liverpool has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, as reports emerged that Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad are keen on signing him before the transfer deadline on August 31. Al-Ittihad have already lured away two of Liverpool's key players this summer, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson joining them for £40 million and £35 million respectively.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the rumours linking Salah with a move away, insisting that he is happy and committed to the club. He also praised Salah's professionalism and attitude, saying that he is a "world-class player" and a "joy to work with".
Carragher, who played for Liverpool from 1996 to 2013 and won 11 major trophies with them, agrees with Klopp that Salah will not leave this month. He thinks that Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), would not sell their star man so late in the window, especially after losing two other important players to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: "He wouldn't leave for £100 million. I think if it got to £150 million, and maybe over that, you might have a question to be asked. But I just think it is so late in the window, that is the problem. If you actually think of Liverpool's model under FSG, if this had come at a better time or the team was a little bit better, I think they would seriously think about it. They did that with Philippe Coutinho a few years ago. Liverpool didn't replace Coutinho, they just strengthened in other areas. If that was to happen, which I don't think it will, it does make me think about next summer. Mo Salah has got two seasons to go, so I think it could be something that is revisited next summer."
Carragher added that he would not be surprised if Salah decided to join Al-Ittihad next year, as he could earn a huge salary and still play at a high level in the Saudi Pro League. He also pointed out that Salah has already achieved everything he could with Liverpool, and might be looking for a new challenge in his career.
"I think Mo Salah is someone who wants to win trophies and be successful," Carragher said. "He's won everything at Liverpool. He's won the Champions League, he's won the Premier League, he's won the Club World Cup. He's been unbelievable for Liverpool. But I think he's also someone who wants to earn as much money as he can in his career. And I think if you look at the Saudi league now, it's not like going to China or America. It's actually a decent league. They've got some good players there, they've got some good managers there. It's a competitive league. And I think Mo Salah could go there and still be one of the best players in the world."
Carragher concluded by saying that he hopes Salah will stay at Liverpool for as long as possible, as he is one of the best players in the club's history and a fan favourite. He also urged FSG to offer Salah a new contract that reflects his value and importance to the team.
"I hope he stays at Liverpool for many more years," Carragher said. "I think he's one of the greatest players we've ever had. I think he's loved by the fans, I think he loves playing for Liverpool. But I think there comes a time in every player's career where they have to make a decision about what they want to do next. And I think Mo Salah will have that decision to make next summer. And I hope FSG do everything they can to keep him at Liverpool and make him happy."