MLS Commissioner Very Interested in Mohamed Salah Joining

JAKARTA - Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber said he would love to see Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah in his league.

Garber spoke to reporters about the possibility at the SBJ Business of Soccer event in Atlanta after expressing his admiration for Salah.

"I can't say that until he announces his departure from Liverpool. However, how great he is as a player in the MLS. I think we'll give him a great platform," said Garber as reported by ESPN.

Earlier this week, Salah and Liverpool announced they would part ways after the end of this season. This makes the striker a free transfer player even though his contract still has one year left.

There is already a team queuing to sign the 33-year-old. ESPN reported that the Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad is ready to continue a pursuit that has been going on for years.

MLS is expected to provide stiff competition for the Saudi club after successfully signing players, such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, and Thomas Muller in recent years.

Recently, Orlando City SC announced that it had signed French Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann.

"Obviously, if (Salah) decides to come to Major League Soccer, we'll welcome him with open arms. I suggest he contacts Leo (Messi) and Thomas Muller and sees how happy they are, how successful they are, and how much they really enjoy being in Major League Soccer," said Garber.

Launching ESPN, both San Diego FC - whose main owner is Egyptian businessman Sir Mohamed Mansour - and Chicago Fire FC - who have previously pursued famous players such as Neymar in the past - are currently not looking for Salah. The reason is that the club's second Designated Player slot is currently full.

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) declined to comment on the Egyptian despite appearing tied by a commitment to a two-designated player/four U-22 player roster model that would prevent them from pursuing Salah.

However, the team has the option to change its model to three Designated Players at the end of this summer when Salah is available.

In the same vein, New York City FC president Brad Sims told GiveMeSport that they were not pursuing Salah either.

"I would love to have Mo Salah. We haven't had any discussions with him or his people. The most important thing is whether the player wants to come to MLS and be in New York City."

"We're not going to go and sell someone to New York, the league or our club. We want players who really want to be here."

"Another thing about star players is you need to make good choices. You need players who will train the hardest, good teammates, and for the locker room and team culture."

"We do a lot of due diligence and it's not just on the star players," Sims said during an event in Atlanta on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

For information, the MLS summer transfer window opens from July 13 to September 2, 2026.