Carragher Questions Salah's Trabzonspor Move, Citing Premier League Legacy

Mohamed SalahPlayer·Mohamed Salah's move to Trabzonspor has drawn criticism from former LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher, who believes the forward's talent warrants a more prominent stage in European football. Salah, who departed LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool as a free agent at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, signed a two-year deal with the Turkish Super Lig club, reportedly valued at €17 million per season.

Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, articulated his view that Salah's choice was unexpected. "I never believed he was going to go to Saudi, because number one, he's too good for that," Carragher stated. He continued, expressing his conviction that Salah could still compete in a top-tier league. "I think he can be playing in Serie ACompetition·Serie A. Turkey for me feels a level too low."

Salah's departure from Anfield marked the end of a nine-season tenure with LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool. His final campaign was described as below-par, with the prolific forward netting just 12 goals. Reports also indicated a strained relationship with then-head coach Arne SlotCoach·Arne Slot, which ultimately led to a contract termination despite Salah having signed an extension in April 2025 that would have kept him at the club through the 2026/27 season. LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool concluded the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season in fifth place with 60 points, securing a spot in the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League but failing to claim any silverware.

Carragher further elaborated on the Football Ramble podcast, revealing his expectation that Salah would have pursued a move to a more historically significant club. "I was convinced he'd end up at an AC MilanTeam·AC Milan or JuventusTeam·Juventus or somewhere like that," he said, emphasizing his belief that Salah would prioritize playing for a "real prestigious club."

The former defender drew a parallel to Cristiano RonaldoPlayer·Cristiano Ronaldo, noting Salah's intense drive for statistical achievements. While acknowledging Salah could still achieve impressive numbers in Turkey, Carragher speculated that the Egyptian might have been willing to temper his wage demands slightly for the prestige of a top-five European league, unlike Ronaldo, who is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League at 41 years old. Carragher had previously lauded Salah's consistent "devastating numbers" during his time at LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool, placing him ahead of Cristiano RonaldoPlayer·Cristiano Ronaldo in the pantheon of Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League greats.

Trabzonspor finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season, meaning Salah will compete in the Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League, not the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. Prior to his move, Salah had been linked with various clubs, including those in Major League Soccer (MLSCompetition·MLS), the Saudi Pro League, and fellow Turkish club Besiktas, before ultimately committing to Trabzonspor.