Surprise suitor for Salah: Sporting Kansas City

A notable development is unfolding regarding Mohamed Salah's future. According to The Athletic, MLS side Sporting Kansas City have emerged as the top MLS suitor in the race to sign the Egyptian star following his departure from Liverpool. The club's new majority owner, Peter Mallouk, also publicly confirmed the contacts, saying: "Long shot for sure, but many conversations are happening and there are no limitations on what is possible. The goal is to get back to winning quickly."

The 34-year-old star, who announced in March that he would leave Liverpool after nine seasons, is searching for the next destination of his career. Salah had produced the best performance in his country's history at the World Cup; Egypt won a match at the tournament for the first time, celebrated their first knockout victory via a penalty shootout, and bowed out with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16.

According to reports, Salah's priority is to remain in Europe, with the Saudi Pro League also strongly in the picture. However, the Egyptian star is said to have kept the door open to MLS as he weighs up his options. At this point, Sporting Kansas City's most distinctive card is the identity of its owner: Mallouk is the son of Egyptian immigrants and views Salah as the face of the club's new era.

Sitting bottom of the Western Conference and in a rebuilding phase, Sporting Kansas City have their third Designated Player slot available. The club is also reported to be in talks over Yann Gboho and André Luiz in the $18-20 million range. Salah's annual wages of more than £20 million would, should the move happen, mean a salary second only to Lionel Messi in MLS. The star player's final decision will be eagerly awaited in the coming weeks.

Source: The Athletic
Image: BBC Sport