Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has given it 12 months before his former club choose to cash in on Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian is undoubtedly the club’s stand-out performer, scoring 188 goals and registering 76 assists across 309 matches in all competitions since his 2017 arrival. Put into perspective, his total goal contributions equate to 29.2 percent of the 902 goals scored during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, and he was not party to almost two years of the German’s time on Merseyside.
Even the very thought of Saudi Pro League clubs contemplating the idea of bidding for Salah – let alone sending delegations to strike deals this summer – is a chilling idea for Liverpool supporters. However, Carragher suggests that he would accept the hero of this modern-day Reds side moving on. Well, at least next summer anyway, and for an appropriate fee.
The only reason fears of an exit this summer persist is because of the Saudi Arabian transfer window closing tomorrow (Thursday) night – almost a week after England’s – though Al-Ittihad have a number of hurdles to cross.
“Of course [you can imagine life without Salah] as before you know it his contract will be up,” Carragher told talkSPORT. “It’s less than two years now the season has started and he will be able to go on a free.
“I think the feeling among most Liverpool supporters is that we’ve maybe got him for one more season, rather let him go now at the start of a new season with no chance of bringing someone else in right away.
“And the fact that Liverpool have started well gives you hope that they make the top four. Could they really challenge (Manchester) City like they have done in the past? There’s still a big question mark above that.
“But I think for all parties it almost feels right next summer where Liverpool would get a substantial transfer fee, Liverpool would have Salah this season and give them a great opportunity of success, and then Liverpool have 12 months to think of someone – if there is anyone out there – who can replace him.”
This series of events would serve to benefit the Reds as they seek to reinstate their spot in the Champions League for the 2024/25 campaign, though stands in direct contention with Jason McAteer’s viewpoint of cashing in now.
Liverpool have been linked with various youthful right wingers across the summer months, such as Johan Bakayoko or Jaden Philogene, as prodigies that may prove long-term successors in the future. Current right-wing back-up Ben Doak also slots into this category.
However, Carragher continued to explain that there are other ways the Reds could utilise any transfer funds raised from the sale of the Egypt captain next summer.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “I think it’s always difficult to replace players of that quality. What you have to try and do is think how can we improve – not just in that position but can we use those funds improving different areas as well?
“So, Liverpool have different areas they can improve on, it would be difficult to get rid of Mo Salah straight away but great players come, great players go and you’ve got to move on.”
