Mohamed Salah is being tipped for a surprise MLS switch on 10 July 2026, with Sporting Kansas City emerging as the front‑runner to sign the 34‑year‑old Egyptian star after his Liverpool exit.

Which club is leading the chase?

Sporting Kansas City, the Western Conference side that finished bottom of the table last season, has been named by The Athletic as the most likely MLS destination for Salah. The club’s new majority owner, Peter Mallouk – the son of Egyptian immigrants – wants a marquee signing to lift the franchise. Alongside Salah, Kansas City is reportedly negotiating deals for Toulouse winger Yann Gboho and Olympiacos defender Andre Luiz, each potentially costing up to $20 million.

How does the MLS discovery‑rights system affect the deal?

In MLS, the team that holds a player’s discovery rights gets the first chance to negotiate. San Diego FC currently owns Salah’s rights, thanks to Egyptian‑British billionaire Mohamed Mansour. Should Kansas City secure the star, they would need to acquire those rights from San Diego, likely for a fee. The mechanism is unusual for a player of Salah’s stature but has been used in past high‑profile signings.

Why is the Saudi Pro League a rival?

The Saudi Pro League has already lured Antoine Griezmann and Robert Lewandowski, and it is expected to make a serious bid for Salah. The league’s deep pockets mean any MLS club must out‑spend or offer a compelling project. Kansas City’s advantage lies in its early positioning and the personal connection of its owner, which could sway the Egyptian forward.

What would the signing mean for Sporting Kansas City?

Adding Salah would give Kansas City a third Designated Player alongside Dejan Jovelic and Manu Garcia. The club hopes the star’s experience and goal‑scoring pedigree will turn a struggling side into a playoff contender. A successful move could also raise the MLS profile in the Middle East, attracting more talent from the region.

What are the next steps?

Negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming weeks. If Kansas City can secure both the discovery rights from San Diego and a contract that satisfies Salah’s ambitions, the deal could be announced before the MLS transfer window closes on 31 July 2026. Until then, fans will watch closely as the Saudi league and MLS vie for one of football’s most recognizable forwards.