Mohamed Salah linked with surprise MLS move to New York City FC
Mohamed Salah could be set for a move to Major League Soccer with New York City FC this summer, according to reports. The Liverpool forward confirmed earlier this week that he will leave the club at the end of the season, despite having time remaining on his contract.
The Athletic reports that NYCFC, owned by the City Football Group, is a potential destination for the 33-year-old Egyptian. While Saudi Arabia has been considered the most likely next step, interest from MLS has emerged. The report indicates that previous links to the Chicago Fire and expansion side San Diego FC are no longer active, with NYCFC now a club that could 'make a play' for the veteran winger.
On a practical level, NYCFC would need to clear a Designated Player slot to accommodate Salah, as none of their current three DPs can be bought down under MLS salary budget rules. One potential solution, as outlined in the report, could involve Salah initially joining on a reduced salary before becoming a full DP ahead of the 2027 season.
The move would carry significant symbolic weight for Liverpool supporters, given NYCFC's connection to Manchester City, Liverpool's primary domestic rival over the past decade. A similar scenario occurred in 2014 when Frank Lampard joined Manchester City after being announced as an NYCFC signing.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber, speaking at a recent conference, expressed his admiration for Salah and desire to see him in the league, but stated the league would not provide financial assistance for any deal, as it did for Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami. NYCFC's CEO Brad Sims also commented, saying the club has had no discussions with Salah's camp but emphasized the importance of signing players who genuinely want to be in New York and fit the club's culture.
Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas, has stated the player himself is yet to decide on his next move after his decorated Anfield career concludes. Salah leaves Liverpool as a Champions League and two-time Premier League winner, and the club's third-highest all-time goalscorer.
