Left-field team emerges as 'top suitor' for Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah’s departure from Liverpool has sparked global transfer speculation, with interest from Champions League clubs, Middle Eastern teams, and now the United States following Egypt’s World Cup exit in Atlanta. Salah' s World Cup exit culminated in the Egyptian king being reported as possibly joining a pantheon of modern icons, including Lionel Messi, Thomas Muller, Son Heung-min and Robert Lewandowski, on a journey to America. Salah has been linked to MLS club Sporting Kansas City, which currently holds the lowest record in the MLS Western Conference with 11 points and finished last season second-to-last with 28 points. Meanwhile, the Egyptian King is said to be making his next club choice immediately. Reports indicate that a move to Sporting Kansas City is unlikely, with leading contenders remaining with priority. Sources suggest Salah prefers to continue his career in Europe. Saudi clubs are also reportedly interested in Salah, whose transfer would likely boost merchandise sales and media attention for any league. According to Euromericas, Salah’s jersey was the fourth-highest-selling globally during the 2021 Premier League season. While a move to MLS remains possible, it is surprising that Sporting Kansas City is considered ahead of other MLS clubs should Salah choose to play in the United States. Sporting Kansas City owner Peter Mallouk responded to the report online and added onto the speculation. He wrote on X, "Promises made will be promises kept. Lots of conversations happening. One way or another, this team will be significantly better in the second half, much better by the sprint season." Historically, teams such as Inter Miami and clubs in major markets like New York City and Los Angeles have attracted top soccer stars. Miami’s trophy-winning roster includes Barcelona legends Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. LAFC signed Son Heung-min, while the LA Galaxy previously signed David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The New York Red Bulls brought in Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, and Lewandowski recently joined the Chicago Fire. Salah remains one of the sport's most decorated active forwards at 34 years old. He left Liverpool after winning the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and two Premier League titles in nine years. Salah played a crucial role in Egypt’s first World Cup knockout victory, defeating Australia on penalties. He studied Mathew Ryan and successfully used Kylian Mbappe’s Panenka technique, previously seen in a La Liga match. Egypt was eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 after a 4-2 loss to Argentina. The team lost a 2-0 lead as Argentina scored three goals in the final 15 minutes.