Salah's Shocking MLS Move Could Sabotage Egypt's World Cup Dreams—Find Out Why!

By Mohamed Yossry

March 30 (Reuters) – As the football world speculates about the future of Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian star's next steps are drawing attention, particularly with his tenure at Liverpool nearing its end. Ibrahim Hassan, the national team director of Egypt, has voiced concerns about a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS), cautioning that it could diminish Salah's visibility in the global arena.

Salah, 33, has enjoyed a remarkable nine-year career at Liverpool, where he clinched two Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League. Despite his impressive achievements, the forward has yet to announce his next destination after this season, creating a buzz among fans and pundits alike.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has expressed enthusiasm over the possibility of Salah joining the league, though it remains uncertain if any teams will make an official attempt to sign him. “Personally, I would prefer him to stay in Europe,” Hassan stated in an interview with On Sports. He went on to mention that he is aware of interest from renowned clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and various Italian teams.

“A move to the Major League? He would be far too out of the spotlight. You won’t remember Salah any more than I remember (Lionel) Messi now; I don’t even try to watch him,”

Hassan added. This highlights a significant concern regarding the exposure players receive in different leagues, especially when compared to Europe’s top competitions.

Interestingly, the conversation around player visibility in MLS has gained momentum since Lionel Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023 after winning the World Cup. Messi's transition to the U.S. league has positioned him as the club's all-time top scorer, proving that even high-profile players can make an impact, but Hassan remains skeptical that MLS could provide the same platform for Salah.

In addition to a potential move to MLS, Hassan suggested that the Saudi Pro League could be a viable option if Salah opts to remain outside Europe. He emphasized that the Saudi league offers a competitive environment, particularly with prominent figures like Cristiano Ronaldo already making headlines there. “If he does not receive offers from Europe, then a move to the Saudi league would be a good option,” Hassan remarked.

Currently, Salah is sidelined due to injury and will miss Egypt's ongoing training camp as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup to be held in North America. Egypt is set to face Spain in a friendly in Barcelona on Tuesday, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday. The seven-time African champions are in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran for the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19.

As these discussions unfold, the football community watches closely, not just for Salah’s career moves, but for the broader implications they may have for other players considering their next steps. The landscape of football is evolving, and the choices made by stars like Salah could signal shifts in how leagues are perceived globally.

It remains to be seen whether Salah will prioritize the prestige of European football or embrace new challenges in leagues that may not yet carry the same weight on the world stage. For now, fans will have to wait as the story continues to develop.