Gary Neville Baffled by Mohamed Salah's Decision to Stay at Liverpool Amid Remarkable Title-Winning Season

Neville's Ongoing Skepticism Collides with Salah's Loyalty

Rarely does a football pundit admit complete shock, but that's what Gary Neville did after Mohamed Salah's latest Liverpool contract saga. For years, Neville—who doesn't hide his Manchester United loyalties—has openly doubted that Salah would stay at Anfield. His doubts weren't unfounded: transfer rumors about Salah's future have swirled for seasons, with big-money moves abroad always rumored to be on the table.

The magnitude of Salah's influence this year can't be overstated. Racking up 33 goals and chalking up another 23 assists, Salah hasn't just been a standout Liverpool player—he's been the heartbeat of a squad that steamrolled to its 20th Premier League title. That's a number hard to ignore, as it officially places Liverpool on par with United for the most titles in English football history.

During a recent discussion with fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, Neville admitted he was convinced Salah's time was up—not once, but twice. "I thought five years ago he’d leave, and again earlier this season," Neville confessed. So when news broke that Salah had penned a contract extension, Neville simply called it a «miracle». He pointed out that high-performing stars like Salah usually seek fresh challenges or bigger paydays, making his ongoing commitment to Liverpool almost unheard of in today's market.

Salah's Impact, Liverpool's Legacy, and the Rivalry That Never Sleeps

Why does Salah's decision carry so much weight? For starters, Arne Slot—Liverpool's manager this season—rode Salah's incredible form as the club reclaimed the top spot in English football. The Egyptian forward has time and again stepped up in the big moments: late winners, dazzling assists, and that never-die work ethic. To put it bluntly, Liverpool’s title charge could have easily crumbled if Salah had lost interest or chosen to pursue a new adventure.

All the banter aside, Neville's begrudging admiration for Liverpool's achievement is telling. Even as he ribs Carragher about Anfield traditions and jokingly laments United being caught in the title race, he concedes that Liverpool deserves recognition as England's most successful club—for now. That dynamic has become a staple of their punditry: Neville the Red Devil, Carragher the lifelong Red—throwing jabs but always circling back to moments of real respect.

For Liverpool fans, though, it's Mohamed Salah who’s grabbed the spotlight. His decision to stay, defying every expectation and almost every precedent, has not only delighted the red half of Merseyside but also shifted the balance of football power in England—at least for this season. Whether Neville likes it or not, the Egyptian King isn’t just a Liverpool icon anymore; he’s the symbol of their resilience and their current dominance.