Gary Neville has shared that Jamie Carragher has ‘changed his mind off camera’ about Mo Salah possibly leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia side, Al-Ittihad.
The Manchester United legend stated that Carragher previously claimed that if ‘£150 million’ was put on the table for Mo Salah, then Liverpool would have to accept it – a bid of that magnitude has since been rejected, as reported by Sky Sports.
But now, Carragher is claiming that Saudi side Al-Ittihad would have to go up to ‘£200 million’, but he just can’t see it happening, or his former club selling, because it’s ‘too late’, as he told Deadline Day on Sky Sports (01/09/23 at 5:50 pm).
Although, the one-time Champions League winner did admit that if those in the Saudi Pro League had come in for Salah ‘six weeks ago’, then he thinks the 31-year-old possibly would have been gone by now.
The Reds have already sold two players to Saudi Pro League sides this summer – Fabinho and Jordan Henderson – both were unexpected, but they still left.
It’s no surprise that a Saudi side is coming in for Salah because he is seen as a hero in the Arab world, with Neville and Carragher sharing their thoughts.
“A week ago, this man (Carragher) said if Saudi Arabian clubs got to £150 million, then Mo Salah would go,” said Neville. “It seems as though they are getting to £150 million. This man has changed his mind off-camera and said that they need £200 million. You are getting twitchy, aren’t you?!”
“I want more money,” Carragher laughed. “When you look at what Kane went for. I think he went for £100 million. I think he is a year or two younger. But he only had two years to go. Mo Salah has two years to go. Looks after himself really well.
“But for Liverpool to sell right now. They aren’t going to want what his worth. They will want more than that. Is he worth £150 million if there wasn’t any Saudi Arabian situation? Of course, he wouldn’t. He is around the £100 million mark.
“But why have they left it so late? If they wanted him that badly and are prepared to spend that money. Why have they didn’t they make this bid six weeks ago? I think he would have had a decent chance to go.”
Neville added: “Do you think, sometimes, when clubs come in, they have already got the nod from the agent of the player and the player might be behind-the-scenes in wanting this move.”
Carragher: “If that number just keeps going up and up. Then there is a stage you can’t turn that down, and that’s £200 million. I don’t think it will happen because it has come too late.”
Statement from Liverpool owners
The relationship between FSG and the Liverpool fans is mixed. Some feel that they don’t push the boat out enough to bring in players for Jurgen Klopp.
Well, given that they rejected such a huge offer for a player who is 31 and has two-years left on his contract, then it sends out a clear message to the fans.
Many other owners would have accepted such money, and in truth, it still probably isn’t over because they could yet come in again and force Liverpool’s hand.
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