Egypt's Football Director Issues Stern Warning to Mohamed Salah Over Potential MLS Move
Egypt's national team director, Ibrahim Hassan, has delivered a stark warning to Mohamed Salah regarding his future career plans, specifically cautioning the Liverpool forward against a potential move to Major League Soccer. Hassan expressed strong reservations about such a transition, suggesting it could significantly diminish Salah's global prominence and legacy in the sport.
"You Won't Remember Salah More Than I Remember Messi"
In a candid interview with On Sport, Hassan articulated his concerns with striking clarity. "I would prefer him to stay in Europe," Hassan stated emphatically. "I have heard about offers from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and clubs in the Italian league. A move to MLS? He would be far too out of the spotlight. You won't remember Salah any more than I remember Lionel Messi now; I don't even try to watch him."
This comparison to Messi carries particular weight, given the Argentine superstar's own transition to Inter Miami in 2023 after legendary stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Despite Messi's immediate impact in Miami, where he became the club's all-time top scorer shortly after leading Argentina to World Cup glory, Hassan believes such moves diminish a player's visibility on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Viable Alternative
Hassan presented the Saudi Pro League as a more suitable alternative should Salah choose not to remain in European football. "If he does not receive offers from Europe, then a move to the Saudi league would be a good option, especially with big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo already established there," Hassan explained.
The Egyptian football official, who happens to be the twin brother of Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan, emphasized that maintaining competitive visibility should be Salah's priority as he contemplates his next career chapter.
Salah's Liverpool Legacy and Current Situation
Mohamed Salah faces a significant career crossroads as he prepares to conclude his immensely successful nine-year tenure at Liverpool. During his time at Anfield, the Egyptian forward has secured two Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League trophy, cementing his status as a modern Liverpool legend.
Despite MLS commissioner Don Garber publicly expressing enthusiasm about potentially bringing Salah to the American league, no concrete offers have materialized for the 33-year-old forward. Salah himself has remained characteristically silent about his future plans, offering no indication about his preferred destination.
Currently, Salah is sidelined by injury and absent from Egypt's training camp as the national team prepares for the upcoming World Cup in North America. Egypt recently demonstrated strong form with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday and will face Spain in a friendly match in Barcelona on Tuesday.
The seven-time African champions have been placed in Group G for the World Cup, where they will compete against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran. Salah's fitness and form will be crucial to Egypt's prospects in the tournament, adding another layer of complexity to his career decisions.
As the football world watches with keen interest, Salah's next move represents not just a personal career decision but a potential shift in the global football landscape. The coming months will reveal whether he follows the path of other aging superstars to emerging leagues or carves a different trajectory entirely.
