When you think about world soccer, MLS probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. At least, not yet. But if Egyptian billionaire Sir Mohamed Mansour has his way, that’s about to change. He’s already stirring things up with his ambition to sign two of the Premier League’s biggest stars: Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah. Now, let me be real with you. Does this actually have a chance of happening, or is this just another rich guy trying to buy prestige in soccer?
Mansour isn’t interested in being just another businessman in the soccer world. He wants to turn his club into a powerhouse, and what better way to do that than by bringing in two of the biggest names in European soccer? Belgian De Bruyne, the mastermind at Manchester City, and Salah, Liverpool’s “Pharaoh,” would be the key pieces in this mega plan. After all, what team owner wouldn’t want these two legends on their roster, right?
But before we start dreaming about De Bruyne and Salah playing on American fields, we’ve got to keep our competition in mind. We’re not talking about small clubs or emerging leagues. The Saudi Pro League, yep, the one that managed to lure in Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, is also eyeing these two. And, let’s be honest, when it comes to money, the Saudis have bottomless wallets.
So, does MLS, even with all its recent growth, have enough appeal to attract two of the world’s best players? Well, Mansour seems to think so. He believes his billions might just be enough to convince these two to leave Europe’s elite soccer scene and come play in a less competitive, more relaxed setting with way less pressure.
Let’s face it. MLS isn’t exactly a league that demands high performance or has the threat of relegation. Compared to the Premier League or Champions League, it’s like a walk in the park. And maybe that’s exactly what Mansour is offering. An early retirement, but one that’s still very well-paid. It’s not that far-fetched, especially considering that many players, when they hit a certain age, start thinking about extending their careers in leagues that are physically less demanding.
Plus, there’s the Messi factor. Lionel Messi, the biggest name in world soccer, is already playing in MLS with Inter Miami. Just having Messi in the league has brought more attention to American soccer, and that definitely plays in Mansour’s favor. If Messi can play in MLS, why couldn’t De Bruyne and Salah?
While the appeal of living in the U.S. is huge, and San Diego is definitely not a bad place to live, soccer-wise, MLS is still light-years away from being an elite league. For De Bruyne, one of the best midfielders on the planet, and Salah, one of Liverpool’s all-time top scorers, is it worth giving up playing at the top of European soccer, where they can still win major trophies, to jump into this American adventure?
One thing we can’t ignore is Mansour’s own journey. The guy isn’t some rookie in the business world. He’s been at the top, lost everything, and like a phoenix, came back stronger. And he’s got a different perspective from traditional club owners. Mansour knows the value of money, but he also understands that reputation and legacy are priceless. If he actually pulls off signing De Bruyne and Salah for San Diego, he won’t just be changing the game for MLS; he’ll be rewriting his own story.
On the flip side, there’s something a little ironic about this whole situation. European soccer, which for years dominated with its billions and massive budgets, is now seeing new powers emerge. MLS, once laughed off as the “retirement home,” is starting to make noise. Sure, it’s still no threat to the Premier League or La Liga, but you can’t ignore the growth anymore. And Mansour’s money, combined with the aggressive mindset of new owners, could speed up that process.
And we can’t forget the impact Messi’s arrival is already having over there. His move to MLS was seen as a milestone, a sign that maybe American soccer is ready to take the next step. So, why not De Bruyne and Salah? Mansour’s logic makes sense, especially when you think about how the mix of money and lifestyle in the U.S. might be appealing enough to attract stars who, in the past, wouldn’t have even considered leaving Europe. But even so, it’s not gonna be easy.
The ‘Pharaoh’ of Liverpool Could Be Headed West
San Diego are the latest expansion side to join the MLS, where they will become members of the Western Conference at the start of next season, which starts in February 2025. Already signing the likes of former Manchester United man Paddy McNair and ex-Nottingham Forest star Alex Mighten for the new season, the Californian side will want to make a big splash going into the new campaign - and with Salah being out of contract and thus on the radar of many teams should he fail to renew his Liverpool contract, they could make a huge statement to the league by exploring a move for the Egypt legend.
The Appeal of a New Frontier
The new franchise are intent on making a huge coup by potentially landing Salah in one of their Designated Player spots, of which each team is able to sign up to three players outside of their salary cap - nicknamed the 'David Beckham Rule' after the England legend kickstarted the league's fame upon his move to Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
So far, San Diego's biggest acquisition ahead of their first-ever game is Hirving Lozano, a 29-year-old Mexican winger who has had a superb career amid spells at PSV Eindhoven and Napoli with 67 league goals in 208 top-flight games in Europe, with four strikes in four Eredivisie games in the current campaign.
But Salah's global fame and achievements for Liverpool would blow that move out of the water, and with British-Egyptian businessman Mohamed Mansour heading San Diego's introduction to the league, the ambitious owner could look to bring Salah to the club.
Is the American Dream Too Good to Pass Up?
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mohamed Salah has been in superb form for Liverpool with an overall tally of 217 goals in 359 games.
San Diego's plans will be to promote talent from Southern California and Mexico, which would give them money to land a significant player - and Salah has been seen as the ultimate signing, and they would look to get involved in the bidding to land the Premier League star even if he is courted by other clubs.
Salah's departure would be scorned by Liverpool fans, as he continues to produce strong numbers as he has done throughout his Anfield career.
It was always unlikely that Salah would match his first campaign at the club in which he scored 44 goals in just 52 games, but his worst tally since then has been 23 goals - showing an outstanding level of consistency and dedication to the longevity of his career across tournaments including the Champions League.
If Salah was to depart, he would leave a gaping hole in Liverpool's attack and at the age of just 32, he would be a huge miss both on and off the field due to his experience - though given that he turns 33 next season, that could be enough reason for Liverpool to let him go if they decide to favour youth development to prolong their future prospects.
The ‘Maestro’ Could Be Leaving Manchester, But Where to?
Manchester City could be subject to a big-money attempt at securing the services of Kevin De Bruyne next summer, according to the latest reports.
The 33-year-old is currently recovering from a suspected groin problem, and is expected to return to Manchester City’s on-field duties after the conclusion of the ongoing October international break.
Despite his age and some minor concerns over his ability to perform twice a week at the intensity of Manchester City’s matches, De Bruyne remains an integral component of Pep Guardiola’s operation.
With that being said, his expiring contract – which runs until the end of the ongoing season – is attracting attention from across the globe and particularly in growing football markets eyeing blockbuster moves to help expand their global image, including the Saudi Pro League.
Despite the Middle-Eastern game showing a keen desire to recruit De Bruyne during the last summer, he ultimately felt it more necessary to remain at Manchester City. But interest in his services hasn’t stopped there.
Having been a long-term target of the San Diego club, and with his Manchester City contract set to expire next summer, the Belgian is currently considering his options with an offer from Saudi Arabia also remaining under consideration, as per the report.
A New Chapter for Two Legends?
Kevin De Bruyne is yet to be publicly quizzed on the prospect of a move to the United States during the latter stages of his professional playing career, but has spoken openly about possible transfer interest from Saudi Arabia.
Speaking last June, De Bruyne told Belgian broadcaster VTM, “For Michele (wife), an exotic adventure is OK. These are also conversations that we are increasingly having as a family. I still have one year of contract, so I have to think about what can happen.”
He continued, “My eldest [child] is now eight years old and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way.
“At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.”
Manchester City’s number 17 also explained that in the event of a minimum two-year stay in the Saudi Pro League, he would be “able to earn an incredible amount of money” that is unlikely to be on offer elsewhere in the game.
For now, officials from within the Premier League champions are likely to maintain an interest in extending Kevin De Bruyne’s contract beyond this season, further establishing his status as one of the finest servants in the club’s history.
The Future is Uncertain, But the Possibilities are Exciting
It's still early days in the transfer saga, and both De Bruyne and Salah have shown no signs of slowing down in their current clubs. But the possibility of seeing these two iconic players in MLS, a league that has already seen a surge in interest with Messi's arrival, is a tantalizing prospect. The future of American soccer might be more vibrant than we ever imagined.
