Mohamed Salah's MLS Future: The Top Five Landing Spots That Could Lure the Egyptian King

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah is expected to depart the Premier League club at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, and the moment his impending exit was confirmed, rumors began circulating about his next destination. 

Having reached the pinnacle of his European career at Liverpool, the 35-year-old now looks ahead to his next chapter, whether that remains in Europe or takes him further afield to Saudi Arabia or MLS. 

Here, Sports Illustrated ranks the five MLS clubs most likely to secure the Egyptian right-wing star.

5. FC Dallas

FC Dallas could be looking to make a bold move this summer, as they wrap up renovations at Toyota Stadium and build on a strong start to 2026. Already featuring Croatia World Cup contender Petar Musa as a key forward, bringing in a player of Salah's caliber to complement him and broaden their attacking options could prove very appealing. 

While Dallas has not historically pursued high-profile aging European stars, they could become the latest smaller club to enter that conversation. If Vancouver Whitecaps can attract Thomas Müller and Minnesota United can land James Rodríguez, there's no reason Dallas couldn't pursue Salah.

4. Sporting Kansas City

When Cristiano Ronaldo was weighing his options as his time in Europe wound down, Sporting Kansas City emerged as the leading MLS suitor for his signature. Working alongside the league and its partners, reports emerged of a Lionel Messi-style package being presented to the Portuguese icon. 

Since that time, SKC has undergone a comprehensive rebuild. The club has endured several difficult seasons and currently leans heavily on Dejan Joveljić for offensive output. Meanwhile, Peter Mallouk recently acquired an 80% controlling stake in the club for $700 million and expressed his dedication to significantly increasing investment. 

With a new majority owner and incoming president of soccer operations David Lee now in charge, Sporting Kansas City essentially has a fresh start and could view the Egyptian winger as a cornerstone of their rebuilding project.

3. New York City FC

After his storied time at Liverpool, seeing Salah don a light blue City shirt would be a strange sight, even if it belongs to New York City FC rather than Manchester City. That said, with the Pigeons preparing to unveil a new stadium in Queens in 2027, the winger could be the ideal signing to usher in the club's new chapter.

NYCFC already operates with a three-DP roster structure, so no changes would be required there. However, the club would likely need to part ways with center back Thiago Martíns, who occupies a DP slot and whose contract runs through the end of 2026. 

For Salah to arrive this summer, the deal would likely mirror those of Rodrigo De Paul and Müller in 2025 — initially signing on Targeted Allocation Money with a prorated salary below $1.5 million for 2026, before transitioning to a full DP contract in 2027. 

From a marketing standpoint, it makes perfect sense. Tactically, it would free Nicolás Fernández to focus on attacking midfield while adding depth at right wing, a position currently occupied by starter Agustín Ojeda.

2. Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire FC has been on the hunt for a marquee name, and billionaire owner Joe Mansueto has shown a willingness to spend big. In 2025, the club made attempts to sign both Neymar Jr. and Kevin De Bruyne, ultimately missing out on both. Now, Salah emerges as the latest global superstar of the 2010s to depart his long-standing European home. 

The Fire currently list Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers and left winger Jonathan Bamba as Designated Players, alongside four U22 Initiative players. While Bamba has shown glimpses of quality, Cuypers justified his $3.24 million salary in 2025 by netting 17 goals, and has already found the net four times in five outings this season.

Chicago would need to restructure their roster model and likely buy down one of the U22 Initiative players to accommodate a Salah deal. Nevertheless, pairing the Egyptian's quality on the right wing with Bamba on the left and Cuypers through the middle would give them arguably the most dangerous front three in MLS. 

The club is also preparing to move into a new stadium in 2028, and Salah could serve as the headline act for that exciting new chapter.

1. San Diego FC

Salah and San Diego FC have previously been connected. Egyptian-British billionaire Mohamed Mansour owns the two-year-old franchise and is seeking its next high-profile international star following the departure of Mexico international Hirving Lozano.

While 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year Anders Dreyer has been outstanding — registering 27 goals and 22 assists across his first 50 appearances in all competitions — it has become evident that the team requires another significant upgrade to genuinely compete for titles.

Salah, even at this stage of his career, could be that missing piece and allow Dreyer to transition into an attacking midfield role, potentially unlocking an even higher level of performance, while also providing a dangerous threat down the right flank. 

San Diego had already been connected to De Bruyne before he opted for Napoli, and the club possesses considerable financial resources. Already a club with lofty ambitions, the California outfit appears to be the frontrunner to sign Salah in MLS, even if parting ways with Lozano is a prerequisite.