Saudi Pro League, MLS or elsewhere: Where could Salah go next?

Mohamed Salah’s announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season closes one of the most glittering chapters in the club’s modern history and immediately ignites speculation over the 32-year-old’s next destination.

Signed from Roma in the summer of 2017, Salah has since become the fastest player to 100 Premier League goals for the Reds, spearheaded a Champions League triumph in 2018-19 and, after a 30-year wait, delivered a league title in 2019-20 before adding a second Premier League crown in 2024-25. With personal honours and goal-scoring records tumbling along the way, his impending departure on a free transfer represents a rare opportunity for clubs to land an elite forward without a transfer fee.

Saudi Pro League The Gulf kingdom, which has already lured Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, views Salah as the next statement signing. Al Ittihad, who saw a $200 million offer rejected in September 2023, have re-opened talks, emboldened by the exit of Benzema to rivals Al Hilal. Al Qadsiah, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, have prioritised a right-sided attacker and want a marquee name to unveil at their new stadium—set to host 2034 World Cup fixtures. Al Diriyah and Al Ula could yet enter the race if they secure promotion, while Al Hilal are not expected to bid after landing Benzema in February.

Europe’s heavyweights Barcelona’s recent free-transfer coups—Ilkay Gündogan, Sergio Agüero—once made Camp Nou an obvious landing spot, but club sources say the Catalans will chase younger, lower-wage reinforcements this summer. Lamine Yamal has locked down Salah’s preferred right-wing role, and the club’s limited budget is earmarked for depth behind the 17-year-old and Raphinha rather than a headline earner.

Real Madrid have regularly mined the Bosman market—Mbappé, Rüdiger, Alaba—but policy dictates short deals for over-30 stars and no suggestion exists that Salah is on their radar. Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off a Champions League triumph built on a youthful core, have also distanced themselves, ending years of flirtation between president Nasser Al Khelaifi and the Egyptian’s representatives.

Galatasaray were floated in Turkish media, yet sources inside the club say no discussions have taken place after last summer’s outlay on Leroy Sané.

Major League Soccer MLS commissioner Don Garber publicly declared he would “love to see him in our league,” but structural hurdles complicate a move. Inter Miami currently occupy all three Designated Player slots through Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Germán Berterame, and none of those contracts expire before 2028. San Diego FC, whose lead owner is Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, are “not at the moment” pursuing a deal, while Chicago Fire, despite past interest in Neymar, report “nothing concrete.” LAFC declined to comment but are constrained by a roster model built around two DPs and four under-22 initiative players, though flexibility could emerge closer to Salah’s summer availability.

Bottom line With suitors across continents weighing cost, age and marketing upside, Salah’s next employer must balance star power with financial reality. The Saudi Pro League offers the fattest pay packet, Europe’s giants are stepping aside in favour of youth, and MLS presents logistical puzzles. Wherever the Egyptian ends up, the race for his signature is only just beginning.