Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane disagreed during the debate over Mohamed Salah's contract saga at Liverpool.
Salah, 32, is currently in the final year of his contract at Anfield and his future on Merseyside remains uncertain. After Liverpool's 3-2 win over Southampton last month, Salah described himself as “more out than in”, suggesting at the time he could leave the club next summer.
The saga took a new twist last week when it emerged that Salah was on the verge of signing a new two-year contract with the Reds, which would end any doubts over his future. However, there have been no further updates since then. Salah is having another exceptional season at Anfield, leading Arne Slot's side to the top of the Premier League and the Champions League.
Carragher, 46, recently criticized Salah for his outspokenness about his situation. He claimed he was not allowed to say anything that could disrupt Liverpool's title challenge. Keane, 53, had a different view, claiming he sent similar messages during contract negotiations with Manchester United.
Carragher predicted Salah will stay at Anfield beyond this season, telling the Stick to Football podcast: “He will stay because I'm not sure there are too many options. He's not ready to go to Saudi Arabia yet. ” [Arabia] – he can do that in three years.
“As a footballer, Salah is so driven to win the record for most goals – or whatever that is for Liverpool. [Mohamed Salah] He reportedly earns around £350,000 to £400,000 a week, and good luck to him, he deserves it, he is one of the best players in the world and should get it.
But if you come out and say the club didn't do this and the club didn't do that, then give us everything. [the story] and then we can decide [what side we’re on]. Personally, I think he should stay at the same amount and give him a two-year contract.
“Now the club might offer him one year and he might want three. We don't know what that is. I tried to get information from the club because I knew I would be asked about it, but they… We're not giving anything away.”
A slightly irritated Keane disagreed with Carragher's position, replying: “It's not about being right or wrong – if a player wants to market something he's an experienced player, players have to be selfish. He has to take care of himself and he must negotiate as best he can.
“If that sends little messages out into the world, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. I've been there and done it. If the club wants to sign him up, they have to give him what they want. He is such a good player and he will have plenty of options.
“There's always fun things with these contract situations, especially when they're coming to an end. The key for me and what I would give Mo Salah credit for – with all these distractions – is that he plays well and produces well.”
Putting an end to their discussion, Carragher reaffirmed his point that he does not like Salah airing his contractual grievances in public. He said: “My problem with Mo Salah is to come out and speak. There should be an exception for Salah and Virgil van Dijk because they are special players and they never miss games. They never get injured.”
Salah has contributed 16 goals and 12 assists in 22 appearances in all competitions so far.
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