Salah's Summer Departure Opens Door to Saudi Arabia or MLS Adventure

Mohamed Salah's confirmation of his Liverpool departure this summer has ignited widespread speculation about the Egyptian superstar's next destination, with Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer emerging as the most realistic options for the 33-year-old forward.

The Saudi Pro League presents the most obvious destination for Salah, who is widely regarded as a poster boy for the Middle East and Arab world. His status as "the number one Muslim footballer in the world" makes him an invaluable asset for Saudi Arabia's sporting ambitions, according to industry observers.

Al-Ittihad demonstrated serious intent in 2023 with a £150 million bid that Liverpool rejected during Jurgen Klopp's final season. With Salah now available as a free agent following his current contract expiration, Saudi interest is expected to intensify significantly.

The kingdom's 'big four' clubs - Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr - all backed by the Public Investment Fund, understand Salah's potential impact on the league's global profile. Al-Qadsiah, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and supported by oil giant Aramco, also represents an intriguing option.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia's financial capacity to secure Salah's services. "Without a doubt, they're paying Cristiano Ronaldo £170m a year. Salah's currently on £20m a year so finances won't be an issue," Maguire explained.

However, geopolitical considerations may influence Salah's decision-making process. "You have to take into account the current situation with the conflict in the Middle East," Maguire noted. "Things might have calmed down by the summer but that will be a factor at play too."

Major League Soccer represents an alternative path, potentially following Lionel Messi's successful transition to Inter Miami. While MLS wages wouldn't match Saudi offerings, the league's Designated Player rule - known as the David Beckham rule - enables clubs to acquire star players outside normal salary constraints.

Messi's deal structure at Inter Miami demonstrates MLS innovation in attracting global superstars. The Argentine earns $20 million in base salary but receives $70-80 million annually when including ownership shares and brand partnerships with companies like Adidas and Apple.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber publicly encouraged Salah to consider American opportunities in December, stating: "Obviously, we'd welcome him with open arms. I'd say he should reach out to Leo [Messi] and reach out to Thomas Muller and see how happy they've been."

The timing aligns strategically with America hosting the 2026 World Cup, where having an asset like Salah would provide enormous reputational and commercial benefits for the league's global expansion efforts.

Inter Miami maintains MLS's highest wage bill at $48.98 million, considerably exceeding other franchises and potentially providing the financial framework necessary for a Salah acquisition.

"If somebody puts forward an actual project to Salah, then that could be interesting, whether that's the SPL or the MLS," Maguire observed, highlighting the importance of comprehensive proposals beyond pure financial considerations.

European options remain limited despite Salah's continued elite performance. While posting 10 goals and nine assists this season - below his remarkable 2025 standards of 29 goals and 18 Premier League assists - he still believes himself capable of Champions League competition.

Maguire identified only "a handful of European clubs could afford his wages," specifically mentioning Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona as realistic options. However, PSG has moved away from superstar signings, while Barcelona and Madrid appear well-stocked in Salah's position with players like Lamine Yamal.

Newcastle's Saudi ownership might suggest interest, but financial constraints under profit and sustainability rules make such a signing unlikely despite the ownership connection.

As Salah approaches this career crossroads, the decision ultimately centers on his personal priorities: maximizing earnings in Saudi Arabia, embracing a new challenge in America's growing soccer market, or pursuing one final European adventure with Champions League ambitions.

The football world awaits his choice as one of the modern era's greatest players prepares for his next chapter.