Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher can't see eye-to-eye over Mo Salah’s deal in heated debate

Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane had a fierce clash over Mohamed Salah’s tense contract negotiations at Liverpool. In November, Salah, who is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, hinted at a potential exit from the club.

The Egyptian said he was “more out than in” after Arne Slot’s side’s 3-2 victory over Southampton. Despite reports last week suggesting Salah was close to penning a new two-year deal with Liverpool, there have been no developments since.

On the field, Salah continues to impress, leading the Merseysiders to the summit of both the Premier League and Champions League standings. Off the pitch, Carragher, 46, called out Salah, claiming his public statements could distract Liverpool’s title chase. In contrast, Keane, 53, argued that engaging in such public discourse is normal during contract negotiations.

While weighing in on Salah’s future, Carragher said he was optimistic Salah would stay at Liverpool on the Stick to Football podcast. The Reds hero said: “He will stay as I’m not sure there are too many options. He’s not ready to go to Saudi [Arabia] he can do that in three years’ time.

“Salah is that driven as a footballer to win the record of most goals or whatever that may be for Liverpool. [Mohamed Salah] is reportedly on about £350,000 to £400,000 a week, and good luck to him, he deserves it, he’s one of the best players in the world and should be paid that.

“But if you come out and say that the club haven’t done this and the club haven’t done that, then give us all [the story] and we can then decide [what side we’re on]. Me personally, I think he should stay on the same amount of money and give him a two-year deal.

“Now, the club might be offering him one year and he might want three we don’t know what it is. I’ve tried to get information from the club because I knew I’d be asked about it, but they’re not giving anything away.”

In contrast, Keane disagreed with Carragher’s perspective. The Irishman said: “It’s not about being right or wrong – if a player wants to put something out there, he’s an experienced player, players need to be selfish. He’s got to look after himself and he’s got to negotiate the best way he can.

“If that is sending little messages out there, I wouldn’t lose any sleep about it. I’ve been there and done it and if the club wants to get him signed up then they have to give him whatever they are after. He’s such a good player and he’ll have plenty of options.

“There’s always these fun and games with these contract situations particularly when they are coming to an end. The key for me and what I would give Mo Salah credit for with all these distractions is he is playing well and producing.”

Carragher continued to maintain that he is still a huge admirer of Salah, who has contributed 16 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season. Nevertheless, he still believes the Egyptian should be keeping any frustration towards the club to himself.

The former England international said: “My problem with Mo Salah is coming out and speaking. There should be an exception for Salah and Virgil van Dijk in that they are special players, and they never miss games. They are never injured.”