The Athletic reported via Arab Times on July 11, 2026, that Sporting Kansas City has emerged as a potential destination for the 34-year-old Salah despite strong Saudi Pro League interest and the player’s preference to remain in Europe. New majority owner Peter Mallouk, who holds Egyptian roots and purchased a controlling stake valued around $700 million according to a January 2026 Forbes report, sees the forward as a transformative marquee signing. The club parted ways with longtime coach Peter Vermes in March 2025 after a winless start to the season and brought in David Lee as president of soccer operations last September to reshape the roster.
Sporting Kansas City posted a 7-20-7 record in 2025, finishing 15th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs, according to data from the club’s official history page. Lee has already added two designated players in striker Dejan Joveljic, who scored 18 goals, and midfielder Manu Garcia, who contributed nine assists during the difficult campaign. One designated player slot remains open for a global superstar such as Salah under MLS roster regulations.
MLS rules allow up to three designated players whose compensation exceeds the salary cap, with only $803,125 counting against the team budget in 2026 for those at least 24 years old, a framework outlined on the league’s official roster regulations page. The club hired Raphael Wicky as head coach for the 2026 season to guide the rebuild following the ownership transition. Mallouk’s acquisition of 71 percent of the franchise from the Illig family, who retained a minority stake, has accelerated efforts to elevate the team’s competitive and commercial standing.
Salah accumulated 257 goals and 123 assists in 441 games across all competitions for Liverpool before his departure, ESPN statistics updated in May 2026 show. He started in Egypt’s 3-2 round-of-16 loss to Argentina at the 2026 World Cup on July 7 and a preceding group-stage draw with Australia, per ESPN match reports. The forward has kept the door open to an MLS move while weighing options, the July 11 report stated.
Peter Mallouk’s personal connection has fueled optimism within the organization about landing the Egyptian icon, Arab Times noted in its coverage of The Athletic’s account. Such a signing would align with the club’s ambition to use its final designated player slot on a high-impact talent capable of drawing attention ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted in North America. Observers have pointed to the potential for increased attendance and sponsorship interest at Children’s Mercy Park if the deal materializes.
The Athletic assessment highlighted the logistical challenges involved in any transfer, including Salah’s European ambitions and the financial commitments required beyond the MLS salary budget charge. Sporting Kansas City’s recent addition of Joveljic through the first cash-for-player trade in league history underscores its willingness to invest aggressively in forward talent. Club officials have not commented publicly on the Salah interest as of the July 11 publication.
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