Sporting KC’s pursuit of Salah
Sporting Kansas City has emerged as a prominent suitor for Mohamed Salah within Major League Soccer, according to sources familiar with the situation. The club is reportedly pursuing an ambitious summer transfer strategy. While a move to MLS for Salah is considered a longshot due to significant interest from the Saudi Pro League, Salah is reportedly open to the idea as he evaluates his options.
Salah had previously announced his departure from Liverpool following a significant period with the Premier League club. Although he is said to prefer remaining in Europe, Sporting KC currently appears to be in a strong position among MLS clubs should he decide to cross the Atlantic. This development follows Salah’s recent elimination from the World Cup with Egypt.
The new majority owner of Sporting KC, Peter Mallouk, is the son of Egyptian immigrants. Mallouk has indicated the team will be significantly improved in the second half of the season.
Other potential signings and club ambition
Mohamed Salah is not the only high-profile player Sporting KC is reportedly targeting this summer. The club is working on potential deals for Toulouse winger Yann Gboho and Olympiacos winger Andre Luiz. Reports suggest that negotiations for Luiz are more advanced than those for Gboho.
Either of these potential deals could be among the most expensive in the league’s history, with discussions reportedly in the range of $18-20 million. Gboho, a former France youth international, concluded his recent season with 10 goals and three assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. Luiz, a left-footed Brazilian, joined Olympiacos in January for a reported fee around $7 million and had seven goals and six assists in the first half of his previous season with Rio Ave FC.
Sporting KC is in a transitional phase, marking the first season in a new era after the departure of former chief soccer officer and head coach Peter Vermes and a change in majority ownership. New chief soccer officer David Lee is focused on enhancing the sporting infrastructure and revamping the roster.
Rapha Wicky was appointed head coach this winter. Following a slow start, the team showed increased competitiveness in the games leading up to the MLS World Cup break. The club currently holds 11 points after 14 matches in the Western Conference.
Salah’s recent performance and future considerations
Salah’s 2025-26 season with Liverpool saw him record seven goals and seven assists in 2,150 Premier League minutes. This followed a strong 2024-25 league season where he contributed 29 goals and 18 assists in 3,380 league minutes, helping Liverpool secure a title.
His departure from the English club was announced in March, concluding a nine-year tenure. His final year at Anfield reportedly coincided with a strained relationship with then-head coach Arne Slot. Salah’s future remains a subject of speculation, with a move to the Saudi Pro League appearing to be the most advanced option at present.
Reports suggest a deal in principle may be in place with the Saudi Pro League, though Salah has yet to decide which club he would join. Geography is reportedly a significant factor in his decision-making, with a preference for clubs located in the west of Saudi Arabia due to their proximity to his homeland. Other MLS clubs, including Inter Miami and San Diego FC, have also been mentioned as possible destinations.
Sporting KC currently has two Designated Players, Dejan Joveljic and Manu Garcia, and could add a third this summer.
Read Also
Source: nytimes.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”