Rabat – Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticized Mohamed Salah’s unexpected transfer to Trabzonspor in Turkey on Wednesday during a podcast appearance, arguing that the Egyptian icon compromised his elite career for high wages when he was still capable of playing at top European clubs
At 34, Mohamed Salah was expected to follow the path of footballing royalty, a grand move to the San Siro or a final dance in Turin. Instead, he chose the Black Sea coast, sparking a fierce debate over how modern legends should write their final chapter
After severing ties with Liverpool as a free agent, the Egyptian icon agreed to a lucrative two-year contract with Trabzonspor worth an estimated €17 million annually. While thousands of fanatical supporters swarmed Istanbul Atatürk Airport to give Salah a king’s welcome, back in England, the decision has drawn sharp skepticism from those who watched him dominate the Premier League for nearly a decade.
Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher did not hold back his disappointment.
Carragher revealed he never expected Salah to head to Saudi Arabia, insisting the winger’s talent remains far above that level. However, the former defender admitted that moving to the Turkish Süper Lig still feels like a significant step down for a player who belongs in a top league like Serie A.
“I never believed he was going to go to Saudi, because number one, he’s too good for that,” Carragher explained. “I think he can be playing in Serie A. Turkey for me feels a level too low.”
Jamie drew comparisons between Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, citing both players’ relentless drive for historic individual statistics and top-tier relevance. He admitted he fully expected the “Egyptian King” to land at one of Italy’s grandest institutions rather than the Turkish league.
“I was convinced he’d end up at AC Milan or Juventus or somewhere like that, maybe his wages were a problem,” Carragher added.
“I don’t know him, obviously have never spoken to him. 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.”
