Carragher Confident Salah Belongs at the Top

PHOTO: Salah at Oltraford in game against Man United, 2nd September 2024.

Salah’s Ambitions Remain Sky-High

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Mohamed Salah will continue to compete at the highest level well into his late 30s. Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future, Carragher insists that the Egyptian star’s ambitions are still aligned with breaking records, both at Liverpool and within the Premier League.

Carragher drew comparisons between Salah and football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, noting that elite players often push themselves to extraordinary limits. “I don’t think Salah will wind down at 35 like most players,” Carragher shared on The Gary Neville Podcast. “He’s like Ronaldo—he has that drive to keep going, to keep breaking records. I see him playing at the top level well into his late 30s.”

Salah’s Record-Breaking Form

Salah made his stance clear after a commanding performance in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory against Manchester United on Sunday. The Egyptian forward not only scored but also assisted twice, demonstrating his undeniable impact on the field. After the match, Salah expressed some uncertainty regarding his future at Liverpool, saying, “No one from the club has talked to me yet about a new contract. So, I’m just playing this season and we’ll see what happens.”

Carragher, however, remains confident in Salah’s future with Liverpool. “I don’t think this will be his last year at Liverpool,” he emphasized. “Salah wants to shatter every record he can, whether in the Premier League or at Liverpool. He’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I just can’t see him leaving for Saudi Arabia next season.”

The Contract Situation

Salah signed a lucrative three-year contract extension in July 2022, making him the highest-paid player in Liverpool’s history, earning approximately £350,000 ($460,000) a week. Although reports surfaced that Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad had offered £150 million for Salah, Liverpool refused to entertain the idea of letting their star forward go.

Carragher sees this as a sign that the club values Salah’s continued contribution. “He’s just too good and too important to the club,” Carragher commented. “Liverpool knows how much he brings, not just in terms of goals, but leadership and experience as well.”

Salah’s performance on the pitch speaks for itself. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, he has scored 214 goals, placing him fifth on the club’s all-time scoring list. This record only fuels Carragher’s belief that Salah will stay motivated to continue breaking records.

Slot’s Take on Salah’s Future

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who led his team to victory against United, avoided engaging in speculation about Salah’s future. When asked about Salah’s post-match comments, Slot remained diplomatic. “There’s a lot of ‘if’ in those discussions,” he said during a press conference. “Right now, Salah is a Liverpool player, and I’m thrilled to have him on our side. He played exceptionally well today, and that’s what matters.”

Slot’s stance mirrored the club’s official position—focused on the present and not distracted by the uncertainty of the future. Slot has refrained from commenting on player contracts, preferring to focus on on-field performances.

Salah’s Drive Mirrors Ronaldo’s

Carragher emphasized how Salah’s mentality compares to that of other world-class players like Ronaldo. “Ronaldo never saw an age limit for himself, and neither does Salah. He’s incredibly focused, determined, and knows exactly what he wants—to break every record out there. That’s what makes him stand out,” Carragher noted.

He went on to say that Salah’s work ethic and professionalism make him one of the most valuable players in the Premier League. “You see it in his training, his preparation, and the way he takes care of himself. He’s not going to slow down anytime soon.”

Carragher also pointed out how Salah’s influence stretches far beyond just his goal-scoring. “He inspires everyone around him. His leadership on and off the pitch is invaluable. He knows what it means to be a winner, and that attitude rubs off on the rest of the team.”

A Legacy at Anfield

Salah’s numbers speak for themselves. In addition to his 214 goals for Liverpool, he’s consistently delivered when it matters most. His ability to score in big games, like the recent clash against Manchester United, only solidifies his legendary status at the club.

Carragher believes Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is already cemented but thinks the forward is far from finished. “He’s one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players, no question about it,” Carragher declared. “But he’s not done yet. He wants to keep going and keep achieving more. I believe he’ll stay for as long as he can play at this level.”

What Lies Ahead for Salah?

As Liverpool fans continue to speculate on Salah’s future, his focus remains on performing at the highest level. He has shown no signs of slowing down and continues to deliver game-changing performances week after week.

Carragher summed up the situation well. “It’s up to Liverpool now. Salah wants to be here, and he wants to keep pushing for greatness. The club needs to ensure that they give him the platform to keep doing that.”

Though the future may hold some uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Mohamed Salah still has plenty to offer at the highest level. Whether breaking records, leading Liverpool to more trophies, or continuing to inspire his teammates, Salah’s hunger for success shows no signs of diminishing.

With his current contract set to run until 2025, Salah still has time to continue building his legacy at Liverpool. As Carragher noted, “We haven’t seen the last of Salah at the top. He’s far from finished, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what he does next.”