First come, first served - Now MLS is wooing Salah

Major League Soccer is stepping up its efforts to lure Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to the United States, hoping the Egyptian forward might follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps.

At 33, Salah finds himself at a crossroads at Anfield. Tensions with manager Arne Slot have bubbled to the surface after Salah’s candid interview, in which he admitted there was “no relationship with the manager” and claimed he had been “thrown under the bus.”

The fallout continued when he was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their victory over Inter Milan, leaving his future at the club uncertain. Meanwhile, three clubs from the Saudi Pro League have also expressed interest in signing him.

Now, MLS commissioner Don Garber has publicly expressed his league’s interest. According to Daily Mail Sport’s Simon Jones, San Diego and Chicago Fire are among the teams keeping tabs on Salah.

“Obviously, if he ever chooses to come to Major League Soccer, we would welcome him with open arms,” Garber said. “I’d tell him to talk to Leo Messi or Thomas Muller to hear how fulfilled and successful they’ve been here and how much they’ve embraced the league.” He did stress, however, that Salah is still under contract with Liverpool and that respect for that agreement is paramount.

While the MLS could present an attractive option for Salah — especially after he signed a contract extension with Liverpool following last season’s title-winning campaign — several hurdles remain. Clubs must navigate strict salary-cap rules and Designated Player limitations.

Fuming Carragher rips into Salah: 'Before he joined Liverpool, he was known as the guy who failed at Chelsea!'

Inter Miami, for example, are unlikely to pursue him this summer as they are focusing on other areas of their squad. Yet, landing Salah would be a significant coup for the league, raising its profile globally.

As Simon Jones reported, Saudi Pro League sides are also monitoring the situation closely, waiting to see if relations between Salah and Slot can be mended before making a move for the disgruntled Liverpool forward.