Mohamed Salahโs upcoming departure from Liverpool FC at the end of the 2025โ26 season has sparked one of the most talkedโabout transfer debates in world football. While some U.S. clubs have shown interest in the Egyptian superstar, national team officials and pundits are urging him to think twice before moving to Major League Soccer (MLS). They argue that such a decision could potentially impact his global stature and legacy in the sport.
Salahโs next career move has become the centre of intense speculation. Offers from clubs worldwide โ including in Europe, the Middle East and possibly the United States โ are being discussed across the football community. However, with both financial and legacy considerations in play, experts are offering nuanced perspectives that go well beyond headlines.
Before diving into the details of a possible MLS move, itโs crucial to recognize what Salah has achieved at Anfield. The 33โyearโold has cemented his status as one of Liverpoolโs allโtime greats, scoring over 250 goals in more than 400 appearances and helping the club win major trophies, including Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Having played nine influential seasons with Liverpool, Salah has shaped a legacy that transcends statistics. For many fans around the world โ especially in Africa and the Middle East โ he is more than a footballer; heโs a cultural icon and a trailblazer who showed that a player from Egypt could dominate at the highest levels of European football.
Several MLS teams, including expansion franchises, may try to sign Salah after he leaves Liverpool. Some reports even suggest he could reunite with stars like Lionel Messi in the U.S., forming a powerful attacking duo in the league.
However, thereโs a lack of concrete negotiation activity or official bids confirmed by clubs. For example, top MLS side New York City FC publicly stated that while they admire Salah, no talks with his representatives have taken place. The club emphasised that any potential transfer would require mutual interest, not just external speculation.
In a league still developing its global profile, even the most ambitious teams must weigh financial realities, team structures and salary cap constraints before pursuing marquee signings with massive wage demands.
While interest from MLS might sound attractive on paper, Egyptโs national team director issued a clear warning against the move. According to his comments, Salah could fade from worldwide attention if he leaves Europe for MLS. European clubs, including some from the top five leagues, still regard him as a valuable asset capable of contributing at a high level.
The official even pointed to the example of Lionel Messi โ whose visibility slightly diminished after his move to Inter Miami โ arguing that Salahโs global influence could suffer similarly. Messiโs move boosted the MLSโs popularity, but it arguably removed him from the fiercely competitive spotlight of Europeโs top competitions.
These comments reflect a pragmatic stance from Salahโs camp back in Egypt: rather than prioritising a lucrative or headlineโgrabbing move, theyโre urging him to consider longโterm legacy and continued relevance in world football.
Football analysts suggest that Salahโs next club might instead come from several attractive alternatives. Reports have linked him to established European sides, where Champions League football and topโtier competition still hold enormous appeal. Clubs in Serie A and Ligue 1 were mentioned as possible destinations that could offer both prestige and competitive intensity.
The Saudi Pro League also remains a strong option, with wealthy clubs historically offering lucrative contracts to elite players. Should European opportunities not materialise, a move to Saudi Arabia could still satisfy both financial and sporting ambitions โ albeit at the expense of competing in Europeโs premier tournaments.
Ultimately, for Salah and his advisers, the decision isnโt just about money or career convenience. Itโs about where he will be remembered most vividly. Football careers are short, and while players in their 30s often seek financial rewards before retirement, Salahโs unique global stature adds another layer of complexity to his choice.
MLS is growing rapidly and drawing big names as part of its strategy to increase global viewership. Yet even as a commercial success, it cannot completely match the intensity, historical weight and worldwide exposure of Europeโs top leagues.
A national team director warned that choosing MLS at this stage could harm Salahโs peak years and legacy. Not every expert believes such a gamble is worth taking.
Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool this summer, but he has not announced where he will play next. With multiple pathways open, his next destination remains uncertain. European clubs, MLS franchises, and Saudi giants are all potential suitors โ but the choice Salah makes will likely define the final major chapter of an extraordinary career.
For now, football fans are watching closely as transfer speculation unfolds. Every decision Salah makes could have major effects on and off the pitch.