San Diego FC Owner Calls Salah an 'Asset' Amid MLS Transfer Speculation

Mohamed Mansour wasn't saying yes. But he wasn't saying no either. When the billionaire owner of San Diego FC describes Mohamed Salah as "probably one of the great players today" and calls him "an asset" for any club fortunate enough to sign him — while carefully avoiding any confirmation of recruitment efforts — the implications are clear enough.

Salah announced earlier this week that he'll be departing Liverpool when the current season concludes, ending a remarkable nine-year stint that produced 255 goals, two Premier League championships, a Champions League trophy, and four Golden Boot honours. While Saudi Arabia appears to be the leading contender for his signature, Major League Soccer represents a legitimate possibility, with San Diego FC becoming the most frequently mentioned North American destination.

Mansour's calculated response

During an appearance at the Business of Soccer summit in Atlanta on March 26, Mansour spoke glowingly about his fellow Egyptian. "Of course Mo Salah is somebody that, as an Egyptian, my origin, I'm very proud of," he told AFP. Mansour even identified Salah as his all-time favourite footballer.

However, he stopped short of confirming any formal contact. When pressed on whether San Diego has explored a potential transfer, Mansour skillfully redirected: personnel decisions rest with the sporting director and head coach, not ownership. "I let the people in charge decide," he stated.

It's a textbook non-denial. Considering Mansour's substantial resources — San Diego paid a $500 million expansion fee to join MLS — and his personal connection to Salah through their Egyptian roots, speculation will continue to swirl.

A franchise with genuine credentials

Despite joining MLS only in 2025, San Diego FC has built momentum quickly. Their record-breaking 60-point debut campaign included a playoff semi-final appearance. They're currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference with an unbeaten record. For an expansion side in its inaugural year, that's an impressive platform.

The club also operates the Right to Dream global academy network, spanning Ghana, Egypt, and Denmark — a development system that produced players like Tottenham's Mohammed Kudus. This Egyptian connection provides San Diego with a genuine cultural appeal beyond financial considerations.

The sporting argument is more complicated. Salah has managed just five league goals this season at Liverpool — his lowest output in years — and publicly criticized the club for throwing him "under the bus" after a form slump led to him being benched. At 32 years old, the question isn't about his remaining ability; it's whether MLS represents where he wants to finish his elite career, or if Saudi Arabia's financial package proves irresistible.

Mansour's assessment was straightforward: "Wherever he will go, he will add a lot to that league and to that country and to that team for sure."

That's difficult to dispute. The only remaining question is which league will benefit from finding out firsthand.