Mohamed Salah has been publicly encouraged to join MLS by commissioner Don Garber, with the Liverpool star’s future at Anfield unclear following his interview hinting at an exit
Mohamed Salah is facing calls to reject the Saudi Pro League amidst ongoing speculation about his future at Anfield. The Egyptian has found himself on the bench for the Reds’ Premier League matches against Leeds United, Sunderland and West Ham United in recent weeks.
Following a thrilling 3-3 draw with the latter last weekend, Salah gave a surprise interview to reporters at Elland Road, revealing a rift with head coach Arne Slot. In the interview, he also suggested that this weekend’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion could be his last for Liverpool.
He is due to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations next week, which will run until mid-January, should Egypt advance deep into the tournament. However, it remains uncertain whether the 33-year-old will return to play for the Reds in the second half of the season.
READ MORE: Liverpool could repeat £25m transfer trick as FSG ‘closing in’ on Celtic signingREAD MORE: Liverpool star Mohamed Salah told to apologise as Gary Lineker raises suspicions
Following the player’s explosive interview, numerous links with foreign clubs have resurfaced over the past week. Those only increased after he was not involved as Liverpool defeated Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Saudi Pro League has long been considered as Salah’s most likely landing spot when he eventually ends his Anfield career. However, Major League Soccer has recently emerged as a viable alternative, with The Athletic reporting this week that a move to the United States is possible.
Part of the appeal stems from Egyptian-British billionaire Mohamed Mansour owning San Diego FC, which could make it a natural destination for Salah. The club, established in 2023, finished first in the Western Conference during the 2025 MLS campaign.
MLS commissioner Don Garber has now openly urged Salah to cross the pond, despite the enormous financial rewards on offer in Saudi Arabia. He pointed to Barcelona and Bayern Munich icons Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller as proof of the league’s rising stature.
Garber said: “Obviously, if [Salah] ever decides to come to Major League Soccer, we’d welcome him with open arms. I’d say he should reach out to Leo [Messi] and reach out to Thomas Muller and see how happy they’ve been and how successful they’ve been and how much they’ve really embraced being in Major League Soccer.”
Messi arrived at Inter Miami as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after his stint with Paris Saint-Germain. Earlier this month, the Argentine played and provided two assists against Muller’s Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final, guiding his team to a 3-1 triumph.
Salah will link up with his Egypt squad next week, with their Africa Cup of Nations opener scheduled for 22 December against Zimbabwe. South Africa and Angola complete the group as the Pharaohs aim to win the tournament for the first time since 2010.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
