Mo Salah Could Be Set for a Surprise MLS Switch in January as Two Clubs Consider Making a Move.
It has long been obvious that several Saudi Pro League clubs were eager to tempt Mohamed Salah away from Liverpool. Although the Egyptian star signed a two-year contract in the summer—despite uncertainty surrounding his future—his recent explosive comments may accelerate an exit. “I couldn’t believe I was on the bench for the entire 90 minutes,” he said after the 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
“That makes it three times now. I think it’s the first time anything like this has happened in my career. I’m extremely disappointed. I’ve given so much to this club over the years, especially last season, yet it feels like the club has hung me out to dry. That’s genuinely how it feels. Someone wants the blame to fall entirely on me. The club made many promises in the summer, but now I’m sitting on the bench, so clearly those promises haven’t been kept.”
Salah — widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats — appears to have seen his relationship with manager Arne Slot deteriorate sharply, and the 33-year-old may now be heading for a January departure. While Middle Eastern clubs remain heavily interested, reports suggest a surprise move elsewhere could also be on the table in the mid-season window.
Even though he’s had a tough start to the 2025/26 season, Salah is still a match-winner. Only last year, he hit a personal best with 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions. However, the arrivals of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz have reduced his influence in Liverpool’s attack. So far this season, he has five goals and three assists.
If he does leave in January, where could he go? Al-Ittihad previously submitted a £150 million bid in 2023, and Saudi officials remain admirers of the Egyptian, GIVEMESPORT reports. But Senior Football Correspondent Ben Jacobs claims that Saudi Arabia is not the only possible destination. MLS side San Diego haven’t taken major steps yet, but they are considered potential suitors given the growing uncertainty around Salah’s Liverpool future.
San Diego — owned by Egyptian-British billionaire Mohamed Mansour — are still youth-oriented, but the MLS has shown, through Inter Miami’s signing of Lionel Messi, how huge names can transform a club’s profile. When asked by The Athletic about recruiting global stars, Mansour said:
“We’re always trying to improve. As owners, we’ll do whatever it takes to support San Diego Football Club.”
The same report states that Chicago Fire — who previously had former Liverpool man Xherdan Shaqiri — also have an eye on Salah. The club had attempted to bring in Neymar before his Santos return, and were also interested in Kevin De Bruyne before he joined Napoli in 2025.
Despite Salah’s reliability since joining from Roma in 2017, Slot has shown he is willing to bench him when performances dip — something that clearly hasn’t sat well with the veteran winger. Liverpool’s form has also collapsed after a five-match win streak earlier in the season, which raises questions about Slot’s position.
However, according to Paul Joyce of The Times, Slot’s job is not currently under threat. “Liverpool’s owners have given Slot their full backing, and Salah’s comments are unlikely to change their view,” Joyce wrote following the draw with Leeds.