Carragher replies to Salah: exchange of wits and uncertainties of future

Carragher's foresight and Salah's enigmas intensify intrigue over "Liverpool" stars' future.

Jamie Carragher has countered comments by Mohamed Salah, claiming the "Reds" legend is allegedly "obsessed" with the forward, accompanying this with a typically witty response. "Liverpool" has so far failed to convince the Egyptian player to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the present season.

Rumors suggest "Paris Saint-Germain" has made an enticing offer to the "Reds" star since the player is now allowed to negotiate with foreign teams due to entering the last six months of his contract. The Egyptian recently hinted that this is likely his "last six months" at "Anfield", as discussions with "Liverpool" remain at a deadlock.

Salah told Sky Sports last week: "So far, yes. It's the last six months. There's no progress there. We're far away from any advancement, so we just need to wait and see. The thought in my head is, if this is the last six months, how do you want to see the future? Do you want to look back and say I was worried or stressed about the contract? Or do you just want to say I had an unbelievable season? That's what's in my mind. If I ever feel distracted, I remind myself that I want to look back and say I had an unbelievable season. That's what I want to do."

Salah left a cryptic message on social media after their 2-2 draw against "Manchester United" on Sunday, featuring an image of himself alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk — who are also out of contract at the end of the season — and he advised the "Liverpool" forward to "take a leaf out of Van Dijk's book".

Carragher stated: "You know what I would say? I would say that Virgil van Dijk has emerged from this whole situation this season, as the captain of the club, with greater respect from me. The way Van Dijk has carried himself on the field, his performances, the way he has led the team, the way he was yesterday too, and he hasn't become too involved in this. It's obviously a very important time for all three players, we know that. But I think, instead of talking about Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mo Salah, I would probably like to pay tribute to Virgil van Dijk. He's come across as a real statesman with the way he's handled it. He's been asked questions and he's deflected them. He's here to win the league, he wants to do his utmost for "Liverpool", and fingers crossed he signs. I think the other two could maybe look at Virgil van Dijk and maybe take a leaf out of his book."

Salah ironically responded by quoting Carragher's comments on Sky Sports and wrote on X: "I'm starting to think you're obsessed with me [winking face emoji]." However, it didn't take long for the "Liverpool" legend to reply, stating: "I've always been obsessed with you. @MoSalah hopefully that obsession will continue next season [fingers crossed emoji, zany face emoji]." Further elaborating later on Sky Sports, Carragher added: "I mean, I have got a Mo Salah obsession... I don't think it's the type of obsession he thinks it is. It's more of a footballing obsession and watching him in a red jersey. I come in, I'm asked a question, I answer as diplomatically as I possibly can... I think, 'I'm not going to criticize Mo Salah or Trent Alexander-Arnold, I'm going to rave about how Virgil van Dijk has handled it and I get myself in all sorts of trouble!'"