Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has explained that the club’s reluctance to offer star forward Mohamed Salah a new deal stems from concerns over the possibility of the player rejecting their offer.
Carragher clarified that contrary to the prevailing narrative suggesting Liverpool wants Salah out, the club is keen on extending the Egyptian’s stay, and discussions have indeed taken place.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher stated that the delay in contract negotiations is primarily due to a disagreement over valuation.
“Of course, there have been discussions. Right now, there is clearly a significant difference in valuation. Mo Salah’s age and how he values himself, whether financially or in terms of contract length, differ from what Liverpool are willing to offer,” Carragher said.
“The reason Liverpool haven’t made a formal offer yet is that they believe Mo Salah will turn it down.”
Carragher’s comments come after Salah publicly expressed his disappointment with the club’s failure to present him with a new deal. The pundit also criticized Salah for the timing of his remarks.
“But I must say, I am disappointed in Mo Salah,” Carragher remarked. “Liverpool have a massive week ahead with Real Madrid and Manchester City, and those should be the focal points for the club. For Salah to choose now to speak out is disappointing.”
He added, “In his seven years at Liverpool, he has only stopped in the mixed zone twice to speak to the media. But he chose to stop a third time after the Southampton game, where he had just won Liverpool the match, to put this out there.”
Salah’s comments came after scoring a brace in Liverpool’s comeback victory against Southampton on Sunday, November 24, 2024. He voiced frustration, saying the delay in contract talks suggests he is likely to leave.
“I’m probably more out than in,” Salah said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. “I haven’t received any proposal. We’re almost in December, and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay at the club…I’m probably more out than in.”
He reiterated his disappointment, stating, “Disappointed? Yes, I’m disappointed. Of course, I’m disappointed with the situation. I have not seen any sort of proposal from Liverpool so far.”
Salah has been in remarkable form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 18 games.
His contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024/2025 season, which will mark the conclusion of his seven-year tenure with the Reds.
EE/EK
