Salah’s future and MLS interest
Sporting Kansas City has reportedly emerged as a primary suitor for Mohamed Salah within Major League Soccer, as the club pursues an ambitious summer transfer strategy. While sources indicate that any move for Salah to an MLS club is considered a longshot, partly due to significant interest from the Saudi Pro League, Salah is said to be open to an MLS transfer as he evaluates his options. His preference, however, remains to continue playing in European football.
Salah, a 34-year-old forward, had previously announced his departure from Liverpool following a notable period with the Premier League club. His club future has become a central topic after Egypt, with Salah, was eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 16, following a match against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Multiple MLS clubs have shown interest in Salah, but Sporting Kansas City is currently positioned as the leading contender should the Egyptian star decide to move to the United States. The new majority owner of Sporting Kansas City, Peter Mallouk, is the son of Egyptian immigrants.
Reports also suggest that Salah has made a decision regarding staying in Europe, with this possibility now deemed increasingly unlikely. Instead, the expectation is that he will either join the Saudi Pro League or move to the United States. While Inter Miami and San Diego FC have been mentioned as potential MLS destinations, a move to the Saudi Pro League appears to be the most advanced option at present. A deal in principle is understood to be in place with the league, though Salah has yet to choose a specific club. Geography is reportedly a significant factor in Salah’s considerations, with a preference for clubs located in the west of Saudi Arabia due to their proximity to his homeland.
Sporting KC’s broader transfer ambitions
Sporting Kansas City’s pursuit of Salah is part of a wider effort to bring in high-profile players this summer. The club is aiming to fulfill a commitment to increase spending and ambition as it transitions into a new era. This follows the departure of club legend Peter Vermes as chief soccer officer and head coach, and a change in majority ownership. David Lee, the new chief soccer officer, is focused on developing the sporting infrastructure and revamping a roster that has not kept pace with the league’s evolution in recent years.
In addition to Salah, Sporting Kansas City is actively working on potential deals for Toulouse winger Yann Gboho and Olympiacos winger Andre Luiz. Initial reports indicated the club’s interest in Gboho, and talks for Luiz, a left-footed Brazilian, have been confirmed. Both potential deals are reportedly being discussed in the range of $18-20 million, which would place them among the most expensive fees in league history, pending final agreements.
Negotiations for Luiz are said to be further along than those for Gboho. Luiz, 24, joined Olympiakos in January for a reported fee around $7 million and could move again for nearly triple that amount. The Flamengo academy product recorded seven goals and six assists in the first half of last season with Rio Ave FC in Portugal. Gboho, 25, a former France youth international born in Ivory Coast, completed his best season with 10 goals and three assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. He declared in March his intention to represent Les Elephants but was not part of their World Cup roster.
Rapha Wicky was appointed head coach this winter. After a slow start, the team showed improved competitiveness in the games leading up to the MLS World Cup break. Sporting Kansas City currently holds 11 points after 14 matches, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference. The club currently has two Designated Players, Dejan Joveljic and Manu Garcia, and appears intent on adding a third this summer.
Salah’s recent performance and departure from Liverpool
Salah’s final year at Anfield coincided with a reported breakdown in his relationship with the team’s former head coach, Arne Slot. He had a disappointing 2025-26 season for Liverpool, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 2,150 Premier League minutes. This followed what was described as his career-best league season in 2024-25, where he helped lead Liverpool to the title with 29 goals and 18 assists in 3,380 league minutes. It was announced in March that he would be leaving the English club after a successful nine-year tenure.
Despite a challenging 2025-26 campaign, Salah reportedly performed better at the World Cup and has various options for his next move. The Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad had previously attempted to sign Salah, and other Middle Eastern clubs are also in contention. A switch to the MLS has been discussed, and he has also been linked with moves to Atletico Madrid and Roma. Liverpool is currently in the process of seeking a replacement for Salah.
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Source: nytimes.com
