Jamie Carragher raises eye-catching Mohamed Salah transfer theory that involves Federico Chiesa

Jamie Carragher has suggested Federico Chiesa's arrival could actually see Mohamed Salah stay longer at Liverpool .

The Italian winger was brought in ahead of Deadline Day for a cut-price fee of around $16.4million (£12.5m/€14.8m) and is deemed to be the Egyptians back-up ahead of the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

That's not to say he won't play a prominent role, however, with the 26-year-old expected to get his fair share of starts under new boss Arne Slot as he factors in rotation for some of his main stars.

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There have even been some claims that Chiesa's four-year deal signifies he has been brought in as Salah's long-term successor, although Carragher has added to this with his own theory, believing that the Italian has actually been signed in order for the Egyptian to remain at Anfield .

"I actually think if Chiesa starts 15 games and Salah is playing 35-40, rather than over 50 like he always does, he could play for another two or three years for Liverpool." the former Reds defender said on The Gary Neville Podcast .

"He is so durable but he shouldn't have to play every minute of every single game. I still think there are a lot of miles in him."

He added: "I find it difficult to see him in the Saudi Pro League next season. He is playing that well, at one of the biggest clubs in the world. The signing of Chiesa is important. Towards the end of last season, there was a lot of talk about Mo Salah that he wasn't the same. He had the injury at AFCON and many were asking if Liverpool should take the money from Saudi Arabia now."

Perhaps Carragher is right. Liverpool probably didn't need to bring in another attacker this summer, having already had five on the books, yet Chiesa's arrival allows Salah to finally have a replacement if need be, taking the pressure off him to perform consistently throughout the whole of the season.

While there is no guarantee Salah will remain at Anfield beyond the current campaign as his contract dwindles down during its final 12 months, Chiesa coming into the side will at least allow him to rest and recuperate properly while the Italian fills the void.

If this work in keeping Salah fit and firing throughout the duration of the season, then it could mean he can continue operating at the highest level for at least another two years, like Carragher says.

If there is less burden on him to be Liverpool's main man this campaign, it could mean that Salah can stretch his resources into one more season on Merseyside at least. So, Reds fans will be hoping Chiesa himself can stay fit in order to take over from Salah whenever need be.

Carragher also believes that Salah's own psychotic need to break records will not allow him to leave either, and he'll appreciate the rest afforded to him by Chiesa's arrival if it means he can continue playing to the best of his abilities.

“Mo Salah is a bit like Ronaldo. Most footballers think about retiring at 35 but I think he will be playing into his late 30s. He will want to break every record he can," Carragher said.

"There are lots of players and wingers who have won more medals than him but there are very few, if any, wide players who have his numbers and quality. Ryan Giggs had longevity but Salah is right up there with Ronaldo for wide forwards we have seen in Premier League history. He is a Liverpool and Premier League legend."