The dream of seeing Mohamed Salah grace Major League Soccer fields is, for now, fading into the distance. San Diego FC, the ambitious new expansion team backed by a British-Egyptian billionaire, is unlikely to pursue the Liverpool star during the upcoming January transfer window.
Initial speculation linked Salah to San Diego, fueled by the owner’s Egyptian heritage and the player’s immense global appeal. However, those within the club are now dismissing the possibility, deeming it “unrealistic” and a distraction from their core objectives.
San Diego FC is committed to a long-term, sustainable build, prioritizing the acquisition of promising young talent from South America and Europe. They aim to establish a solid foundation for their inaugural season, rather than relying on a single, high-profile signing.
Despite the MLS Commissioner’s public enthusiasm for welcoming Salah, the practicalities are daunting. The financial complexities and the limited availability of Designated Player slots present significant hurdles for a club still in its formative stages.
While the MLS appears to be on hold, another destination is rapidly gaining momentum: Saudi Arabia. Clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund, including Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Qadsiah, are reportedly preparing substantial offers for January.
Salah is viewed as a potential marketing icon for the Saudi Pro League, a player capable of elevating the league’s international profile to unprecedented heights. The Saudi clubs are positioning themselves for a major push to secure his signature in 2026.
Back at Liverpool, the situation is far from settled. While the club would ideally like Salah to honor his contract, a recent rift with manager Arne Slot and the player’s outspoken criticism – claiming he felt “thrown under the bus” – have introduced a cloud of uncertainty.
For now, a move to San Diego seems improbable, a testament to the club’s disciplined approach. But as Salah prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations, the possibility of a new chapter unfolding in Saudi Arabia grows with each passing week.
The future remains unwritten, but one thing is certain: Mohamed Salah’s next move will be one of the most closely watched stories in world football.
