Jamie Carragher questions Salah’s Turkey move despite Egyptian star’s grand reception

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has questioned Mohamed Salah’s decision to join Turkish side Trabzonspor, saying the Egyptian forward still had the quality to compete in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Salah, who left Liverpool as a free agent, has signed a lucrative two-year contract with Trabzonspor reportedly worth around €17 million per season, bringing an end to a glittering spell in English football.

The move has divided opinion, with thousands of supporters welcoming the Egyptian star on his arrival in Turkey, while some former players have expressed surprise that he did not opt for a club in one of Europe’s elite leagues.

Carragher expected Serie A move

Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher admitted that he had never expected Salah to leave for Saudi Arabia, insisting the 34-year-old still possesses the quality to perform at the highest level.

“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.”

The former Liverpool defender said he had anticipated a move to one of Italy’s traditional giants, suggesting that clubs such as AC Milan or Juventus would have been more fitting destinations for a player of Salah’s stature.

“I was convinced he’d end up at AC Milan or Juventus or somewhere like that, maybe his wages were a problem,” Carragher added.

Debate over Salah’s final chapter

Salah’s departure from Liverpool had prompted widespread speculation over where one of Africa’s greatest footballers would spend the final years of his career.

Many expected the Egypt international to remain in one of Europe’s leading leagues, but his decision to join Trabzonspor has instead ignited a debate about whether modern stars should prioritise sporting legacy or financial rewards in the latter stages of their careers.

Carragher compared Salah’s mentality to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting the forward’s relentless pursuit of goals and individual milestones.

“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.”

Egyptian star begins new challenge

Despite the criticism, Salah received a rapturous welcome from Trabzonspor supporters after arriving in Turkey to complete the transfer.

The move marks the beginning of a new chapter for the former Liverpool forward, who spent nearly a decade in the Premier League and established himself as one of the most successful African players in the history of European football.