Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has made a bold prediction regarding Mohamed Salah's future, suggesting the Egyptian superstar will defy lucrative Saudi Arabian offers to continue his elite career in Italy. This comes after the 33-year-old forward confirmed he will leave Anfield at the end of the current season, marking the conclusion of a remarkable seven-year tenure.
Salah's Departure Announcement
The Liverpool star made the announcement this week, revealing his decision to depart less than a year after signing a two-year contract extension. That deal followed a sensational 2024/25 campaign where Salah equaled the Premier League record for goal involvements in a single season, helping Liverpool secure the league title.
Carragher's Italian Prediction
While many anticipate Salah will follow the trend of high-profile players moving to the Saudi Pro League for enormous financial packages, Carragher offers a contrasting perspective. Speaking on The Overlap podcast, the former Liverpool defender expressed his belief that Salah remains driven by competitive ambition rather than financial gain.
"I think Mo Salah, the way he's driven like a Ronaldo, I don't see the Saudi thing just yet," Carragher stated. "I can see him in Italy with one of the giants. I just think your career's over when you go there. I think he'll still be looking at his Champions League record or how many goals he can get."
Carragher emphasized that Salah likely believes he still has plenty to offer at the highest level, saying: "I still think he thinks, 'I'm still one of the best players, and me leaving now is not the end of my top-level career, I've still got something to give.'"
Salah's Liverpool Legacy
Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, Salah has established himself as one of the club's modern greats. With 255 goals from 435 appearances to date, Carragher ranks him sixth in Liverpool's all-time greatest players list, behind legends Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, Graeme Souness, Ian Rush, and John Barnes.
The Egyptian forward has won one Champions League title with Liverpool and currently sits 11th on the competition's all-time leading goalscorers list, achievements that Carragher believes will motivate him to pursue further European success.
Timing of the Departure
Carragher, who previously criticized Salah following a mixed zone outburst after being benched against Leeds last year, described the timing of the departure as "the right decision for everyone." The forward is leaving with one year remaining on his current contract.
"In hindsight, could they have done this last summer?" Carragher pondered. "But how could you not give the best player in the Premier League a new contract last season. It's very difficult to say with hindsight. It probably happened a year earlier than we thought."
The prediction sets up an intriguing summer transfer window, with Salah's next destination becoming one of football's most anticipated moves. While Saudi Arabian clubs are expected to make substantial offers, Carragher's insight suggests European giants, particularly in Italy where Salah previously played for Roma, may present the most compelling opportunity for the still-ambitious forward.
