Jamie Carragher has weighed in on Mohamed Salah's contract negotiations with Liverpool, suggesting the Egyptian star shouldn't receive a pay rise. Salah's contract situation has been a major talking point during Arne Slot's first season at Anfield, with the Reds currently topping the Premier League table.
Despite no breakthrough in talks, Salah has continued to shine on the pitch, overtaking Erling Haaland as the league's top scorer with 13 goals on Wednesday (December 4) after his double in the 3-3 draw against Newcastle. The 32-year-old has been open about his contract expiring next summer, which has drawn criticism from Carragher, who recently labelled him selfish for his public comments.
Appearing on the It's Called Soccer! podcast, the Sky Sports pundit shared his thoughts on what Liverpool should offer Salah, stating that he doesn't believe the winger deserves a pay increase from his reported £350,000 salary.
Carragher said: "If Liverpool are saying 'we're only going to give him a year's contract and we want him to take a big reduction in wages', I don't think that's right," during a discussion with Gary Neville and Rebecca Lowe.
Lowe suggested that Salah's stellar performance warrants a pay rise, but Carragher isn't so sure: "I don't think more, I think he's still one of the highest paid players. I don't think he should get less money, he's still the best player in the team, him and Virgil van Dijk," reports the Mirror.
The Reds legend believes Salah deserves at least a two-year contract but emphasised if the winger agrees to a one-year contract and Liverpool fail to secure it, his critique will shift towards the club. He added: "For me it'll be a two-year contract but if he's willing to sign a year's contract and then Liverpool don't get that deal done, I can assure you I'll do a 180, I'll be looking at the club.
"My criticism of Mo Salah isn't because of the contract, it's speaking publicly when Liverpool are in such a great position." During Liverpool's match against Newcastle, as Salah assisted Curtis Jones' goal, Carragher's stance appeared to shift: "Get in, get in Curtis lad, 1-1, get paid, back in the game, Mo Salah, give him what he wants, get in."
His call for action intensified after Salah scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season. He later added, "Give him what he wants! Why don't they just give him the contract?" Liverpool's lead over Arsenal was, however, cut to seven points after the Gunners' 2-0 victory over Manchester United and their 3-3 draw against Newcastle.