Mohamed Salah an ‘asset’ to any club, says San Diego owner amid speculation

Mohamed Salah’s future has taken a fresh twist, with San Diego FC owner Mohamed Mansour publicly declaring the Liverpool forward would be “an asset” to any team amid growing uncertainty over his next destination.

Salah’s announcement that he will leave Liverpool FC at the end of the season has ignited widespread debate across global football, with clubs in Saudi Arabia and the United States closely monitoring the situation.

While the Saudi Pro League remains a strong contender, Major League Soccer has emerged as a credible alternative, especially as elite players increasingly view the American top flight as a viable late-career destination.

San Diego FC, one of MLS’s newest franchises, has been repeatedly linked with a potential move for the Egyptian forward. The connection is fuelled not only by the club’s financial muscle but also by Mansour’s shared nationality with Salah, adding a layer of emotional and cultural resonance to the speculation.

Mansour’s admiration for Salah

Speaking on the sidelines of the Business of Soccer summit in Atlanta, Mansour did little to dampen the excitement surrounding a possible move, instead offering a glowing endorsement of Salah’s quality and influence.

“He’s probably one of the great players today. And any team that will get him, or any country that will get him, he will definitely be an asset,” Mansour said.

While he stopped short of confirming whether San Diego FC is actively pursuing the forward, his comments reflected deep admiration for Salah’s achievements and global stature.

“Of course Mo Salah is somebody that, as an Egyptian, my origin, I’m very proud of. He is somebody that reached the world stage as one of the great players,” he added.

The remarks underscore Salah’s enduring appeal, not just as a footballer but as a symbol of national pride. His journey from Egypt to the pinnacle of European football has made him one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, and his next move is expected to carry both sporting and commercial significance.

A legacy built at Anfield

Salah’s impending departure will bring the curtain down on a remarkable nine-year spell at Liverpool, during which he transformed into one of the club’s all-time greats. His tally of 255 goals places him among the most prolific forwards in the club’s history, while his contribution to multiple trophy wins has cemented his legacy.

Under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, Salah became the focal point of Liverpool’s resurgence, helping the club reclaim domestic and European honours. His honours list includes Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League triumph and multiple individual accolades, including a record-equalling four Golden Boot awards.

Beyond the statistics, Salah’s influence extended to redefining Liverpool’s attacking identity, combining speed, precision and relentless consistency. He also became arguably the greatest player to emerge from Egypt, with a strong case for inclusion among Africa’s finest ever footballers.

MLS opportunity and San Diego’s ambition

The prospect of Salah joining MLS aligns with a broader trend that has seen global stars such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and Antoine Griezmann linked with or making moves to the United States. For San Diego FC, securing a player of Salah’s calibre would represent a transformative moment in its short history.

Founded as the league’s 30th franchise, the club has already made an impressive start. Backed by Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, San Diego paid a record expansion fee and quickly established itself as a competitive force. In its debut campaign, the club set a new benchmark for expansion teams by amassing 60 points and reaching the playoff semi-finals.

Its early success has been driven by a clear footballing philosophy and a commitment to youth development, drawing heavily from the Right to Dream academy network, which operates across multiple continents, including Ghana.

Recruitment philosophy remains structured

Despite the allure of signing a global superstar, Mansour emphasised that recruitment decisions are not dictated from the top. Instead, they are left to the club’s technical leadership, reflecting a disciplined approach to squad building.

“I let the people in charge decide,” he explained, reinforcing a model that prioritises long-term planning over marquee-driven impulses.

That strategy has contributed to a balanced squad built on energy, cohesion and tactical discipline rather than individual stardom alone.

Salah’s current season has been unusually challenging, with a dip in form leading to reduced playing time and public frustration. Yet even amid those struggles, his reputation remains intact, and interest in his services has not waned.