Kevin De Bruyne, a Premier League legend, is on the move after Manchester City announced they wouldn’t renew his contract. This unexpected development has sparked a frenzy of speculation, with several high-profile clubs vying for his signature.
The rumour mill is churning, with Major League Soccer (MLS), specifically Inter Miami CF, having secured De Bruyne’s discovery rights. This doesn’t guarantee a move, but it significantly increases the likelihood of a transatlantic transfer. The lucrative Saudi Pro League is also reportedly interested, presenting a tempting financial package, though a significant lifestyle change.
However, the possibility of De Bruyne remaining in Europe hasn’t been ruled out. While a return to the Premier League seems unlikely given his current salary, other top European leagues could be potential destinations. De Bruyne himself has expressed a willingness to consider any ‘nice project’ that aligns with his family’s needs.
The allure of MLS for De Bruyne is undeniable. His past attendance at MLS games, particularly in Los Angeles, hints at a personal interest in the league. The US offers a desirable lifestyle for his young family, making it a very attractive option.
But the financial aspects are crucial. While Saudi Arabia might offer more money, it represents a more significant adjustment to his lifestyle. Sources suggest De Bruyne believes he can still compete at the highest level, and he was open to staying at Man City on the same terms. If a suitable European offer doesn’t materialize, MLS might become the more appealing choice, provided the right club and financial terms are met.
Inter Miami’s acquisition of De Bruyne’s discovery rights is a complex issue within the MLS system. This grants them exclusive negotiating rights, but other teams can acquire these rights by offering allocation money. This process involves a significant sum held in escrow and a strict timeline for negotiations. Inter Miami’s strategy might be to leverage this exclusive right for financial gain, rather than solely to sign De Bruyne.
Fitting De Bruyne into Inter Miami’s salary structure is challenging but not impossible. Due to existing Designated Player (DP) slots, a complex arrangement would be needed, potentially involving a lower salary in 2025 with significant increases in subsequent years. This would involve a degree of risk for De Bruyne, as those future payments aren’t guaranteed. Such a deal would require careful negotiation and strict adherence to MLS rules, to avoid past pitfalls of teams skirting regulations.
Should De Bruyne decide against Miami, other MLS teams could emerge as contenders. The Chicago Fire, for instance, presents a strong option, financially and strategically. They have the financial resources and roster space, but would need to negotiate with Miami to secure De Bruyne’s rights.
If De Bruyne chooses to stay in Europe, his options are more limited. While clubs in Spain or Italy might be interested, the reality is that he might need to accept a pay cut to make such a move viable. A sentimental return to his youth club, Genk, is also a possibility as his career winds down. However, the most likely scenario currently points toward a move to either MLS or Saudi Arabia, with MLS currently appearing to hold the advantage.
