(Video) Jamie Carragher criticises Mohamed Salah move to Trabzonspor

Former Liverpool defender and television pundit Jamie Carragher has expressed surprise at Mohamed Salah’s decision to join Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, claiming the move is beneath the forward's standing in world football.

Read Also: "We Never Wanted Salah": Besiktas fires back at Trabzonspor’s Mohamed Salah transfer coup

Carragher believes Serie A suited Salah better

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher voiced his astonishment that the 34 year old Egyptian international accepted an offer from Trabzonspor following his departure from Anfield as a free agent.

The pundit suggested that elite European clubs, particularly in Italy, would have provided a more suitable platform for the final stages of Salah's career.

"He is better than that. I think he could play in Serie A, Turkey feels below his level.. I was convinced he would end up at Milan, Juventus or a similarly big club. Perhaps his financial demands were the issue" Carragher stated.

Carragher drew comparisons between Salah's relentless mindset and that of five time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo emphasizing that individual statistics and prestige drive both players.

"Salah is like Ronaldo, he has immense drive and his numbers mean a lot to him.. He can still achieve numbers in Turkey but I thought he would want to play for a truly prestigious club" Carragher added.

Addressing the financial side of the transfer, the former defender argued that Salah should have considered taking a pay cut to remain in one of Europe's top leagues rather than moving to the Black Sea club.

"Perhaps his financial requirements turned clubs away but I expected him to lower them slightly to join a better club.. He could have gone to AC Milan or Juventus, played at the San Siro, featured in huge matches and competed in Europe. I just feel Turkey is below his level" Carragher said.

The Italian illusion vs The Turkish advantage

Carragher’s critique reflects a traditional British media perspective that views football outside Europe's top five leagues as a step down for players of Salah's caliber.

However, his assessment overlooks the financial realities facing Serie A clubs, many of which operate under strict UEFA financial limits and could not match the competitive wage structure and tax advantages offered in Turkey.

By joining Trabzonspor, Salah secures a guaranteed starter role, a lucrative commercial structure and participation in the UEFA Europa League, while remaining the unquestioned focal point of a major club.

What happens next?

Salah is set to be officially presented to Trabzonspor supporters at Papara Park on Thursday evening. The Egyptian international will then join pre season training as the Black Sea club prepares for their upcoming Super Lig campaign and European qualification matches where Salah will look to silence critics and maintain his prolific scoring output in Turkish football.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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