Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed his astonishment over Mohamed Salah’s decision to join Trabzonspor, insisting the Egyptian forward still possessed the quality to continue playing at the highest level of European football.
Carragher’s remarks came after Salah arrived in Turkey to a hero’s welcome, greeted by over 25,000 passionate fans. The move follows the conclusion of his illustrious nine-season tenure at Anfield, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool and Premier League history.
Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher addressed the persistent rumors surrounding the forward’s future: “I never thought he was going to Saudi Arabia, simply because he is better than that.”
The former defender explained that he expected the 34-year-old Egypt captain to move to Serie A—specifically pointing to AC Milan or Juventus—as a destination where he could remain competitive in elite European competitions.
Criticizing his choice of destination, Carragher stated: “Turkey, for me, feels too low a level,” arguing that Salah could have joined a club with a richer European history and consistent title ambitions.
Comparing Salah’s elite mindset to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carragher noted: “He is like Ronaldo; his numbers mean everything to him,” referencing the shared relentless drive between both icons to break records and score goals.
Carragher suggested that Salah could have reduced his salary demands slightly to facilitate a move to Milan or Juventus, allowing him to play at iconic venues like the San Siro while competing in top-tier European football.
The Egyptian’s previous wage at Liverpool—estimated at £400,000 per week—had priced out several interested European clubs. Furthermore, lengthy negotiations involving his agent Ramy Abbas, who eventually reduced his initial commission demands to overcome financial hurdles, delayed potential moves before the Egyptian superstar ultimately finalized his transfer to Trabzonspor to compete in the UEFA Europa League.
