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Energized by Mohamed Salah's confirmed departure from Liverpool, MLS commissioner Don Garber wasted no time in rolling out the welcome mat for the Egyptian icon in the United States.
Salah, 33, confirmed on Tuesday that he will depart Liverpool after nine years when the 2025–26 season concludes, with previous reports linking him to a move to America's top division, along with potential destinations in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
"Mo Salah is one of the greatest players in Premier League history... I'd love to see him in our league," Garber told reporters at the Sports Business Journal conference in Atlanta, ahead of the city's hosting of U.S. men's national team friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
"I couldn't say that until he announced he was leaving Liverpool. What a tremendous player he would be in MLS, and I believe we would offer him an outstanding platform."
Garber Adds to December Salah Push
Garber had previously been guarded about Salah's potential MLS future when questioned about the former Premier League winner's possible move to the league back in December, during a ceremony celebrating Lionel Messi's consecutive MVP awards.
"Obviously, if [Salah] ever decides to come to Major League Soccer, we'd welcome him with open arms," Garber told reporters at the time. "I'd say he should reach out to Leo [Messi] and reach out to Thomas Müller and find out how happy they've been, how successful they've been, and how much they've truly embraced being part of Major League Soccer."
While Messi has led the charge of marquee arrivals in MLS since joining in the summer of 2023, more recent acquisitions of Antoine Griezmann, James Rodríguez, Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min reflect a growing willingness among elite superstars to embrace the league.
However, Garber noted he was "not sure the league needs to get involved" in future signings, in contrast to how it and its partners became deeply embedded in Messi's Inter Miami deal, which included a portion of Apple TV broadcast revenue and additional benefits not found in standard player contracts.
Which MLS Clubs Stand a Chance?
Virtually every MLS club will have some degree of interest in Salah's ability and commercial appeal, yet only a handful possess the roster availability, local pull, or financial resources to realistically attract such a talent.
Reports surfaced on Wednesday that San Diego FC had shown no interest, despite being owned by Egyptian businessman Sir Mohamed Mansour. ESPN also reported that the Chicago Fire, who recently pursued both Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar Jr., were not engaged in any active chase for the Merseyside star.
New York City FC, who are preparing to open a new soccer-specific stadium in Queens in 2027, have also made no approach, with CEO Brad Sims telling The Athletic: "I don't think we need that," pointing to the upcoming calendar shift in the 2027–28 season as a window for MLS clubs to better compete for elite signings.
Yet, he stopped short of dismissing the idea altogether.
"Do we absolutely need it? In my opinion, no," he added. "Will it help take our club to the next level? Yes. I mean, I would love to have Mo Salah. We have not had any discussions with him or his representatives."
Speculation surrounding Salah's next move will undoubtedly swirl around MLS until the Egyptian commits to a new club, with the prospect of him lighting up American soccer still very much alive as his Liverpool chapter nears its end.