Carragher zeroes in on Salah: talks only to boost his contract, not to lead Liverpool

Under Pressure, Salah Faces Leadership Questions

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah finds himself under heavy scrutiny as the Reds’ recent form dips in the Premier League, with veteran Jamie Carragher voicing strong critique on Sky Sports.

Carragher argued that Virgil van Dijk has spoken as captain after matches, but leadership should not rest on one player alone; others in the dressing room must step up and speak out about the situation as well. He also revisited Salah’s past openness about his personal position when renewal talks stalled, noting that lately Salah’s public comments have appeared tied to awards or contract negotiations.

“I don’t hear Salah speaking unless he wins a man of the match award or needs a new deal,” Carragher said. “I’d like to see Salah come out as a true Liverpool leader and speak for the team, not just for himself.”

On the pitch, Liverpool began the season with high ambitions after shrewd summer signings but have gone through a tough spell, losing six of their last eight matches.

The Milestone and the Debate Goes On

The latest setback came at Anfield, where a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest shocked fans and intensified pressure on manager Jurgen Klopp’s side. The Reds sit 12th in the table with 18 points, far from the title race and far from the standards expected of a Klopp team.

Meanwhile, the discussion about Salah’s role continued to spread beyond Carragher. Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United star, urged Klopp to consider benching Salah to restore discipline and balance within the squad. Rooney argued that depictions of commitment should be reflected by everyone on the pitch, not just a single talisman.

Rooney stated on his program, The Wayne Rooney Show, that Salah’s defensive contribution was lacking and that if players around him are not working hard, the team’s chemistry suffers. He stressed that leadership must come from more than one voice and that hard decisions may be necessary to restore a winning mentality.

Rooney added that keeping Salah in the lineup should come with expectations for all players to defend harder and work as a unit. He suggested that the club must establish discipline to make it harder for opponents and that Salah’s form could rebound if the team collectively raises its level. Others in the squad, including long-serving players, should step up and support a revival of Liverpool’s fortunes.

Even with the criticism, Salah reached a historic milestone: his 300th Premier League appearance for Liverpool. The club’s official account hailed the moment as a historic appearance for Mo, placing him among the legends of the club’s Premier League era, alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

Salah’s 300th appearance comes as he continues to amass goals, with a career tally of over 250 for the Reds. Yet the current dip in results has rekindled talk of his future, including interest from other leagues, notably in the Middle East.

David James, the former Liverpool goalkeeper, gave his take to GOAL: Liverpool were not obliged to sign Salah and the contract was beneficial for both sides. He suggested that if a time comes when Salah’s numbers don’t align with the club’s needs, Liverpool may consider negotiating or even accepting an offer from another club. James emphasized that a healthy dialogue between Salah and Liverpool would be crucial, and there could be a point where the club is willing to move if it serves the broader goals of the team.

James also noted that if Salah returns to producing big numbers and leading by example, Liverpool could be encouraged to keep him. If not, a transfer could become a realistic option, especially with Saudi Arabian interest reportedly growing. The balance between personal ambition, club strategy, and financial realities will shape Salah’s future in the coming months.

Punchline time: If Salah starts talking less and scoring more, perhaps the contract will renew itself—because all magic tricks need a good warranty. And if leadership is a game, Liverpool might need a few more captains, not just one speaking to the referee like a magician waving a wand. Sniper-laughter aside, here’s hoping the Reds find their rhythm again. Bam—another season, another plot twist, and probably another press conference to dissect before tea time.