Mohamed Salah reveals preference between MLS and the Saudi league.

The possibility of Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool star, packing his bags for Major League Soccer (MLS) instead of the ambitious Saudi Pro League is in the spotlight. Well-informed sources suggest that the North American league presents itself as a “more attractive” option for the Egyptian player, thus opening a new chapter in his already glorious career.

Salah, who has a contract with Liverpool until June 2027, has seen his relationship with coach Arne Slot marked by tensions, especially following a public exit in December. However, since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, the forward has shown renewed performance, starting every game and recalibrating his focus at Anfield. Despite still having a year left on his contract, his age, declining numbers, and high salary raise questions about his future at the club.

James Pearce, a Liverpool reporter known for his insightful analysis, commented on The Athletic’s “Walk On” podcast: “The MLS is a possible destination for him. I’ve been told that, in many ways, it’s more attractive than the Saudi Pro League.” This statement ignites curiosity about what could motivate Salah to consider the MLS instead of a more lucrative contract in the Persian Gulf.

Although the salary in the Saudi Pro League may far exceed what any MLS club would be willing to offer, the experience of life off the field in America seems to be a decisive factor. Lionel Messi, who chose MLS in 2023 despite having contractual ties to the Saudi Arabia, praised the lifestyle he found. “I think it’s a very dynamic and physical league, where teams want to score and play forward,” Messi said about MLS, revealing his satisfaction with the spectacle and competitiveness.

Additionally, Egypt’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup could provide Salah with a unique opportunity to explore the environment of the United States and Canada, where the Egyptian national team will play in Seattle and Vancouver. This raises the possibility that he could transition to an MLS club soon after the tournament, in July.

Which MLS clubs might be interested in Salah? Chicago Fire and San Diego FC are the most mentioned, with Chicago also targeting Robert Lewandowski. San Diego FC, backed by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, has the financial capacity to support a player like Salah. In Los Angeles, LAFC has a spot available for a Designated Player (DP) and a vacant number 10, which Salah has worn for the national team since 2014.

So far, there is no information indicating that any MLS club holds the discovery rights for Salah, which could complicate a potential transfer. With the dynamics of North American football growing and the league’s attractiveness increasing, Salah’s saga promises to be one of the hot topics in the upcoming transfer windows. The anticipation is palpable, and football fans will be watching every move of this iconic player.