Mohamed Salah’s options to imitate Lionel Messi’s MLS move reportedly reduce

Following the blockbuster news that Mohamed Salah will end his legendary nine-year tenure at Liverpool this June, speculation regarding his next destination has reached a fever pitch. While a move to the MLS to join Lionel Messi was once considered a top possibility, The Athletic’s Tom Bogert suggests that the Egyptian’s options in North America are narrowing.

For months, San Diego FC was viewed as the frontrunner. The club is owned by British-Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, making the cultural connection to Salah obvious. However, reports now indicate that a massive Designated Player contract for an aging superstar may not align with the club’s long-term sporting philosophy.

Similarly, the Chicago Fire were once heavily linked to Salah. While the Fire have a history of chasing global icons—including recent pursuits of Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, and Robert Lewandowski—they have reportedly shifted their primary focus away from Salah during this summer’s recruitment window.

A surprise team to keep an eye on

Among the possibilities for following in Messi’s footsteps to the United States, Bogert hasn’t ruled out NYCFC. The move would be particularly striking given that NYCFC is a sister club to Manchester City.

Considering Salah’s deep, historic bond with Liverpool, it could be a massive shock for Reds fans to see their idol wearing a sky-blue jersey so similar to that of their fiercest Premier League rival.

The driving factor that could push NYCFC to move for Salah is the opening of their new stadium in Queens for the upcoming season. Landing a superstar of the Egyptian’s caliber would be a masterstroke to ensure sellout crowds and massive interest in the new venue. Furthermore, Bogert noted that a source close to the situation indicated the club has not ruled out making a formal attempt to sign Salah this summer.

What other options does Salah have?

With his MLS prospects reportedly narrowing, Salah’s path to North America appears increasingly difficult. In this scenario, the Egyptian star is more likely to follow the trail blazed by Cristiano Ronaldo and join the Saudi Pro League, where massive financial backing and cultural proximity await.

According to Tom Bogert, Al Ittihad remain the frontrunner. The club famously launched a staggering £150 million ($189 million) bid for Salah in the summer of 2023, and their interest has never waned. A move to Al Ittihad would position Salah as the undisputed face of the league alongside Ronaldo.

Also among the reported options are Al Hilal, who previously attempted to secure Salah to lead their squad in the FIFA Club World Cup. Bogert’s report also identifies Al Qadsiah and NEOM as potential candidates, though they currently lack the same institutional pull as the aforementioned Saudi powerhouses.