Ian Wright demands Liverpool to give a deserved contract to Mohamed Salah amid attacks from Sky Sports loyalist Jamie Carragher. The former Liverpool defender with the second-highest number of Liverpool appearances has lost a lot of reputation among the Kopites.
Fans have blamed Carragher for becoming a mouthpiece for British media and their anti-Liverpool agenda while befriending Manchester United legends. He remained silent on the David Coote saga and immediately moved on from the recent VAR controversy involving Michael Oliver.
Oliver allowed a penalty against Liverpool for Southampton despite Andy Robertson committing the foul in question, outside of the box. Furthermore, Carragher has consistently downplayed the contributions of Salah and recently ignored him completely while debating about the Premier League’s best players in different eras during the Overlap episode.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher expressed his disappointment in Salah for speaking up about his contract situation. He said:
“Of course there’s been discussions. Right now, there’s obviously a big difference in valuation, how Salah and his agent value themselves, in terms of length of contract, and how Liverpool do. So the reason Liverpool wouldn’t have offered a contract yet is because Mo Salah will turn it down. They’re still in talks, I’m desperate for them to meet in the middle. But I must say, I am very disappointed with Mo Salah. That interview last night… Liverpool have Real Madrid in midweek and Manchester City next weekend.”
The former Liverpool centre-back continued his tirade by stating that the expiring contract situation is not Liverpool’s priority. He added:
“Now the most important thing for Liverpool this season is not the future of Mo Salah, it’s not the future of Virgil van Dijk and it’s not the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The most important thing is Liverpool winning the Premier League. That is more important than any of those players, and if he continues to put comments out or his agent keeps putting cryptic tweets out, that’s selfish, that’s thinking about themselves and not the football club.”
Contracts of the three crucial players should remain a priority parallel to major trophies
Liverpool are fighting for every competition under Arne Slot this season with Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah playing the pivotal role. The Reds have struggled with division in their fanbase that stems from the poor spending in the transfer market.
Shut up you
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) November 25, 2024
Read the actual quotes in it.
I was asked if the club don’t give me a contract what would I do. I certainly wouldn’t ever play games & try & turn a fan base against the club.
Can’t believe how many people on here fall for this nonsense every year from players… https://t.co/IjAfdC0Ngx
While a large section of the fanbase understands the methodical and practical approach, the other side demands more financial backing. However, there is no denying that keeping the best players is a priority for Liverpool or the club will suffer.
Carragher’s argument about the priority of Liverpool and the “selfishness” of Salah is absolutely distasteful, coming from a former player. The Reds should have solved the contract situation months ago and the uncertainty reaching December is rightfully unacceptable.
From January onwards, these top players can secure a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club which is a big loss. Furthermore, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Salah are three players that the rest of the squad look up to and they want to stay. The message their potential departure could send will do more harm than good to the club.
Wright makes many valid points
On the other hand, Arsenal legend Wright backed Salah for putting the pressure on Liverpool to act, unlike Carragher. Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty show after the Southampton game, he said:
“I love the way Mo [Salah] has come out with what he’s saying. Put it out there and let the fans see what is going on, don’t let the club hide in the shadows and try to do this.”
Wright further explained that Salah is that rare ageing player who deserves a contract due to his availability and contributions. He added:
“Mo Salah don’t miss games; he is not that kind of player. The way he keeps himself, the way he is as a man, he is not somebody that is gonna sign a contract and clock off. If there is anyone who is over 30 that I’m going to give a three-year deal to, its going to be Mo Salah.”
The Egypt captain suffered a rare long-term injury and a late drop in form last season which raised some concerns about his longevity. The 32-year-old ended those concerns immediately during the first half of this campaign, playing a pivotal role.
Liverpool have faced many tough opponents during the fixture congestion post-October international break with Salah thriving in the high-pressure situations. As things stand, no player in the market could replace Salah and provide an immediate number that he delivers.
While Liverpool likes to operate practically as the hierarchy takes every decision with cold analysis, this situation is unique. The Reds’ management could alienate the complete fanbase against them and none of the PR spins would work for them.
More Liverpool News
- “Be Humble”: Liverpool star’s message to himself, not rivals
- Southampton vs Liverpool Match Report: The Reds capitalised on Man City’s slip but complacency remains
- Liverpool legend stops controversy and complacency to decide the game
As for Carragher, many Reds fans have given up on the former defender with many rejecting his legendary status, particularly after his poor performance in the commentary during the Southampton victory.
