Where Mo Salah is likely to play next after forward's exit confirmed | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah could be following in the footsteps of either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

The Egyptian King will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season following his bombshell announcement on Tuesday. Under contract until 2027 the 33-year-old will nonetheless be calling time on his Anfield career a year early.

Liverpool won’t be banking a transfer fee for Salah - who will be now free to choose his next destination. It’s not an ideal ending for Liverpool who may have been hoping to recoup some of Salah’s exorbitant wages in the form of a transfer fee.

The two-time African footballer of the year is making upwards of £400k per week with Liverpool’s wage bill rising higher than ever.

But where will Salah be heading next?

The fact that he is now a free agent - and without a transfer fee of up to £100m attached - makes him a possibility for European clubs.

However given his age and recent decline it is hard to imagine any of the continent’s biggest hitters taking a chance on those wages.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have previously been linked - but that was when Salah was gunning for the Premier League player of the year award last season.

He may get interest from Roma - where he played prior to Liverpool - but again the Italians wouldn’t be able or willing to get anywhere close to his Liverpool salary.

Could Salah join Messi in MLS?

Therefore a move to a new continent beckons - with teams in both Messi’s MLS and Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League coming into the picture.

There may be a place for Salah at Inter Miami alongside the brilliant Argentine but it would require a Designated Player spot opening up on short notice.

Another team to watch is Egyptian-British billionaire Mohamed Mansor’s San Diego FC. They were reported to be interested last year ahead of their MLS debut - but according to the Athletic they are as of right now not in the frame.

Chicago Fire are another team reported to have reached out to Salah in recent times. More fancifully the Athletic report mentions New York City FC of the City Football Group - who will be opening a new stadium in 2027.

For a team like Chicago - who have tried for Kevin De Bruyne, Neymar and Robert Lewandowski - or NYCFC Salah would be a top draw. There is no way any MLS club could have afforded a transfer fee so don’t rule out a move to the States.

Saudi move beckons for Salah

But Saudi Arabia has long been touted as Salah’s next destination. Back in 2023 it was established that Al-Ittihad were willing to pay £150m to land Salah on a mammoth deal.

Liverpool held their nerve but Al-Ittihad could be back to make a play for Salah in summer. With Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante off the books there is space in the budget to accommodate a potential £1m+ per week pay packet.

There is also the possibility of Salah landing at Al-Hilal - where Benzema moved in January.

© IMAGO