Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool exit opens door for MLS bidding war as Besiktas deal collapses

Mohamed Salah is officially on the market, and the bidding war is already getting complicated. After reaching an agreement with Liverpool for early contract termination in late March 2026, the Egyptian forward has become the most sought-after free agent in global football, with MLS clubs lining up and at least one international suitor dramatically walking away. Besiktas president Serdal Adali dropped the curtain on what had apparently been a verbal agreement with Salah, claiming the deal fell apart over agent commission demands of approximately 35%. Adali subsequently announced that the Turkish club will not pursue the player this summer. The MLS courtship heats up While the Besiktas saga was imploding, American clubs were circling. Inter Miami and San Diego FC have both emerged as potential destinations, with San Diego’s ownership publicly confirming their interest just days after news of Salah’s Liverpool exit broke. MLS Commissioner Don Garber added fuel to the fire in early April 2026, commenting on the speculation surrounding Salah’s future and suggesting broader league interest. Why the Besiktas deal matters The collapse of the Besiktas negotiations is worth examining because...