Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is leaving the club at the end of the current season.
But where he ends up is still unknown.
Salah, 33, has reached an agreement with his employers to tear up his £400k per week contract.
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That leaves the two-time African football of the year in total control of his own destiny. And while Saudi clubs including Al-Nassr have been linked with the Egyptian King’s signature MLS is not giving up yet.
MLS not giving up on Salah deal
San Diego FC are owned by Egyptian-British billionaire Mohamed Mansour and according to a report in the Athletic MLS is prepared to allow the newly-established club some “runway” to conclude a deal for Salah.
That means Salah wouldn’t have so-called “discovery” rights attached if he moves Stateside following the 2026 FIFA World Cup – giving his compatriot’s club favourable conditions to secure his signature.
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Salah is seen as behind only Lionel Messi in the global visibility stakes by league execs – who plan to pull out all the stops to get the left-footed attacker to North America.
There is little chance of San Diego or ANY MLS team matching or beating the salaries on offer in Saudi Arabia – with Al-Ittihad reported to be offering £1.67m a week.
MLS prepared to offer ownership stake to Salah
But MLS can sweeten the deal with an ownership percentage – as worked out in deals with David Beckham and Lionel Messi.
Beckham was given an option to buy a new MLS franchise when he signed for LA Galaxy – which today has become Inter Miami. And Messi too retains an ownership stake in the Florida club – which is set to become active once he retires.
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So Salah could end up as a major player in Major League Soccer if he is persuaded in talks over his future.
Far from being a done deal for Salah to join a Saudi Arabian team it looks like MLS is going to be right there for his signature when it comes time to leave this summer.
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