Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has openly questioned Mohamed Salah’s decision to continue his career with Trabzonspor, arguing that the Egyptian superstar still possesses the quality to compete for one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Salah is set to join the Turkish side on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate the final year of his Liverpool contract, bringing an extraordinary chapter at Anfield to a close.
The move has generated widespread discussion across the football world, with many supporters expressing surprise that one of the Premier League’s greatest forwards opted for Turkey rather than remaining in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Few players have left a legacy at Liverpool comparable to Salah’s.
During his remarkable spell on Merseyside, the Egyptian forward scored 257 goals in 442 appearances, making him the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time.
He also lifted seven major trophies, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, while rewriting numerous individual records along the way.
Despite those achievements, Carragher believes Salah still had enough quality to secure a move to one of Europe’s traditional football powerhouses.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender admitted he never expected Salah to head to the Saudi Pro League, believing the winger remained capable of performing at the highest level.
“I never believed he was going to go to Saudi, because number one, he’s too good for that. I think he can be playing in Serie A. Turkey for me feels a level too low.”
Carragher revealed he had expected Salah to continue his career with one of Italy’s biggest clubs instead.
“I was convinced he’d end up at an AC Milan or Juventus or somewhere like that, maybe his wages were a problem. Looking at him, I don’t know him, obviously have never spoken to him.”
The former defender also pointed to Salah’s relentless mentality as one of the reasons he anticipated a move to another European heavyweight.
“But he’s like Ronaldo, he’s so driven, his numbers mean so much to him. I thought, he can still do this in Turkey by the way, but I thought he’d want to play at a real prestigious club.”
Carragher acknowledged that financial demands may have influenced the transfer, suggesting Salah could perhaps have sacrificed higher wages in exchange for remaining at one of Europe’s most historic institutions.
“Obviously his wage demands have put a few people off but I thought he might almost curb those demands a little bit to almost get a better club.”
He continued by highlighting the attraction of competing regularly in iconic stadiums and major European competitions.
“To go to an AC Milan or Juventus or whoever it may be, play at the San Siro, still playing in big games, still playing in Europe. Turkey just feels like… I just think he’s better than that.”
While Carragher’s comments reflect the opinion of many observers, Salah’s arrival in Turkey has already demonstrated the enormous impact of his signing.
Thousands of supporters gathered at Ataturk Airport after Trabzonspor confirmed the Egyptian’s arrival, offering a reception typically reserved for club legends rather than new signings.
The extraordinary welcome illustrates the magnitude of Salah’s global appeal and the excitement surrounding what could become one of the biggest transfers in Turkish football history.
For Trabzonspor, acquiring a player of Salah’s calibre represents a statement of ambition.
Even at this stage of his career, the Egyptian remains one of world football’s most accomplished forwards, bringing elite-level experience, leadership and an exceptional goalscoring record.
Whether the move ultimately proves the perfect next chapter or leaves supporters wondering what might have been elsewhere in Europe, Salah’s legacy is already secure.
Carragher may believe the Liverpool icon deserved a more prestigious destination, but only time will determine whether Trabzonspor becomes another successful chapter in one of football’s most remarkable careers.
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