Mohamed Salah’s Future: Saudi Pro League or MLS?

By Emeka Nwosu — 11 July 2026 — 4 min read

Mohamed Salah, the former Liverpool forward, is reportedly facing challenges in securing a move to the Saudi Pro League due to his financial demands. Clubs in the league are said to be hesitant to meet his terms. Salah’s contract with Liverpool recently ended, making him a free agent after Egypt‘s World Cup campaign concluded.

His future has been a subject of speculation since his departure from Anfield. While he was once a prominent player in the Premier League, his performance in the 2025-26 season reportedly saw a decline in game time and impact. Despite this, Salah has performed well in the World Cup and has various options for his next move.

Salah’s Next Destination

Reports suggest that Salah has made a decision regarding staying in Europe, with this possibility now considered increasingly unlikely. Instead, the expectation is that he will move to either the Saudi Pro League or the United States. Al-Ittihad, a Saudi Pro League side, has previously attempted to sign Salah, and other Middle Eastern clubs are also interested. A move to Major League Soccer (MLS) has also been mentioned, with Inter Miami and San Diego FC noted as potential destinations.

The Saudi Pro League has reportedly been planning for Salah’s arrival for years, viewing him as a key figure to enhance the league’s global profile. A deal in principle is understood to be in place with the league, though Salah has yet to decide which specific club he would join. Geography is reportedly a significant factor in his decision-making, with a preference for clubs in the west of Saudi Arabia due to their proximity to his home country.

The MLS offers a different appeal, presenting a high-profile platform, a lifestyle in the U.S., and a growing standard of play. For Salah, this could mean a structured, family-friendly environment and commercial opportunities across North America. It also offers a chance to elevate a club and the league, with competitive fixtures that might extend his effective playing years without the intense grind of top European campaigns. This path is seen as more about influence and becoming the face of a club in a market that values star power.

The Saudi Pro League, conversely, offers immediate financial rewards and a prominent role in a rapidly transforming league that is attracting international talent. While European possibilities are still relevant, with mid-tier European powers and top clubs potentially considering Salah as a low-risk acquisition, the focus appears to be shifting towards the MLS and Saudi Arabia.

Other Transfer Market Activities

In other transfer news, Bayern Munich has reportedly informed Real Madrid that Michael Olise, 24, is not available for transfer this summer. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund and Germany attacker Karim Adeyemi, 24, is understood to be heading to Barcelona. Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly in a transfer battle for 25-year-old RB Leipzig and Netherlands defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who was on loan at Sunderland last season.

Manchester City and Tottenham are reportedly interested in Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao, 26, and could potentially intercept his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli from Sporting. Barcelona is also reportedly set to pursue a move for Atletico Madrid and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, 26, after this summer’s World Cup. Hull City has made an offer for Mjallby midfielder and Swedish World Cup star Elliot Stroud, 24.

Manchester United is exploring options for two more midfielders after finalizing a deal for 22-year-old Chelsea and Brazil international Andrey Santos. Greece centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos, 28, is attracting interest from multiple Premier League sides and clubs across Europe following his performance at relegated West Ham. Como is hoping to sign Colombia defender Davison Sanchez, 30, but may be deterred by Galatasaray‘s asking price.

Manchester United is also seeking a goalkeeper to compete with Belgian Senne Lammens, 24, and could consider Paraguay‘s Orlando Gill, 26, who is understood to have a release clause at Argentine side San Lorenzo. Newcastle United‘s chances of signing England goalkeeper James Trafford, 23, from Manchester City have reportedly increased, as Aston Villa is keen to retain their number one goalkeeper, 33-year-old Argentine Emiliano Martinez. However, Chelsea is also interested in Trafford. New Benfica boss Marco Silva reportedly wants to sign his former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, and a bid is being prepared to bring the Portugal international away from Bayern Munich following his loan at Tottenham last season.

Source: bbc.com