Why Mo Salah Isn't a Match for SDFC

Mo Salah has been making headlines around the world after he gave a fiery interview in a post-match 3-3 draw with Leeds last Saturday.

The Liverpool forward did not travel with the squad for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan after being temporarily dropped from selection.

Salah, who's 33 years old, has scored just four goals in 13 Premier League matches this season, was still present at the Liverpool training grounds on Monday morning, taking part in first-team training despite the controversy.

Despite widespread criticism of Salah’s handling of the situation, interest in the forward continues to grow. Most of the attention is coming from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer, with many observers suggesting San Diego could be a natural fit given that the club is owned by Egyptian billionaire Sir Mohammed Mansour.

What Happened?

Salah started the first 13 games of the season for Liverpool before being benched for three straight matches by manager, Arne Slot. Liverpool currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League table with a record of 7-2-6.

After a strong start to the season, Liverpool saw their form dwindle and according to Salah, he believes he became a "scapegoat" for their poor performance.

"That I'm sitting on the bench for 90 minutes! The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I'm very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season", said Salah. "Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."

Clearly, emotions ran high after another result with points dropped. Many fans criticized Slot for benching a top player, while many praised him for trying something new. After all, Salah wasn't producing.

Things got worse when Salah insinuated that he is entitled to a starting spot.

"The respect, I want to get. I don't have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone but I earned my position. It's football. It is what it is."

Salah Will Not Be a Good Fit in San Diego

Despite the Egyptian ties to undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, Salah won't bve a good fit in Mikey Varas' system. The ego that comes with a big-name player doesn't exist in Varas' locker room. Comments like Salah made in that interview will not bode will with the culture of the club that Varas worked so hard to create last season. Example below:

"I am top goalscorer, best player, winning the league in such a style, but I am the one who has to defend himself in front of the media and fans." Salah said.

Fans witnessed a precedent earlier this season when Chucky Lozano appeared to clash with the coaching staff in the locker room after being substituted. Star players often believe they’ve earned automatic playing time, a sense of entitlement that can come with their status. Mikey Varas made it clear—without saying anything publicly—that such assumptions have no place within the SDFC organization.

Also, for Mo Salah to come to sunny San Diego, another Designated Player (DP) slot would have to be opened up. Either by selling Dryer or Lozano or adjusting the roster to be eligible for a third DP slot which would not be easy.

Doing What Makes Sense

In the end, Salah’s talent is undeniable, but so is the baggage that now follows him. As Liverpool navigate the fallout and other leagues circle with interest, the conversation around his future will only intensify. But for San Diego FC—a club built on accountability, cohesion, and a no-ego culture—Salah represents a misalignment rather than an opportunity.

Until he proves willing to adapt and embrace a team-first mentality, his next destination is unlikely to be Southern California. And with SDFC’s roster structure already tight, the fit makes even less sense. For now, the noise around Salah’s future continues, but San Diego should remain firmly on the outside of that conversation.

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