Mohamed Salah to NYCFC? The wild move that almost makes sense

During the offseason, the biggest need for New York City FC was a striker or a scoring forward. The Pigeons almost had their center-forward, too. They almost signed Moussa Sylla, but reported concerns from his medical forced the club to reverse course and not sign him. As a result, they will enter the summer transfer window seeking that scoring attacker since the primary window has closed. And, after a recent announcement, Mohamed Salah is the player they should try to sign.

The Premier League star and his club, Liverpool F.C., announced that he is leaving the Reds at the end of the season. The winger, who can play as a striker, will be a free agent entering the summer.

As one of the most prolific players in Liverpool history, and really one of the best to play in England, Salah created a name for himself. Not only is he well known around the world, but his talent speaks for itself. With his current team, he has 255 goals in all competitions, and counting. He might be 33 and playing a not-so-great season, but the Egyptian is someone who would probably be a huge star in Major League Soccer. And, he would be great for NYCFC.

NYCFC signing Mo Salah would be great but it is unlikely

The Bronx team could use a star player on the roster, especially a scoring forward. Yes, it was stressed that the Boys in Blue need a striker, but Salah can play in that position. While it is rare, he does well when he is called upon to play up front and center, continuing to score goals. Of course, that is what NYCFC needs with Alonso Martínez's ACL injury. Yes, Nicolás Fernández Mercau has five goals this season and has stepped up, but will that last?

Plus, how can one pass on Salah if there was an opportunity to sign him? He is a star on the pitch, but also someone who can connect with the fans. He is loved in Liverpool, and his personality would make NYCFC fans fall for him here.

Additionally, there is a high Egyptian population, both with immigrants and via ancestry, in the New York City tri-state area. The winger could tap into the community and maybe grow the fan base. Plus, he could maybe convince some Liverpool fans who are not fans of any MLS clubs to go to Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, and eventually Etihad Park, when it opens next summer.

At the same time, NYCFC CEO Brad Sims opened up about the possibility of signing Salah or someone like him. He told Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport, "I would love to have Mo Salah. We have not had any discussions with him or his people. What is most important is does the player want to come to MLS and be in New York City. We are not going to go out and sell someone on New York, the league or our club. We want players who really want to be here."

There is no question that it would be amazing for Salah to join NYCFC. But alas, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. One of the major problems is the salary. The winger could go to a country like Saudi Arabia and make more money there. Unless MLS did something even halfway to what they did for Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi, nobody could probably afford him.

He would also be further from his home in Egypt. Clearly, Liverpool is closer, and playing in a country in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East would make it easier to fly home.

Another big elephant in the room is that NYCFC is a part of City Football Group, making the team a sister club to Manchester City FC. For those who do not follow the Premier League, Manchester City and Liverpool have grown into rivals over the past few decades, especially since the two teams often competed for the title and other trophies. That alone could lead Salah to not even consider the Pigeons.

One cannot forget the issue of whether NYCFC can even sign him as a Designated Player. At first, when it was reported that the club would sign Sylla, it was said that Thiago Martins' Designated Player Contract would be bought down. However, the roster profile for the 2026 season says that none of the DPs can be bought down. But then, Sporting Director Todd Dunivant says they can add a DP, creating some confusion.

When all is said and done, it would be great for Salah to join NYCFC. The team would have to express serious interest and get the ball rolling now. But the truth remains that this move is highly unlikely, and some could argue it is a wild idea. Nevertheless, one can dream, right?