After a trophy-laden decade with the blue half of Manchester, Kevin De Bruyne’s City chapter is coming to an end.
In a touching message to fans released on social media, the Belgian recently confirmed that this would be his final season with the reigning Premier League champions. Now with free agency rapidly approaching, the 33-year-old is being linked with numerous potential landing spots around the world – including the MLS. One such team is league newcomers San Diego FC, who have long been linked with the midfield maestro.
However, it seems despite interest from De Bruyne’s camp and talks over the past 12 months, his financial demands may be too much for the West Coast side, according to Tom Bogert on CBS Sports.
San Diego may no longer be an option for De Bruyne, but it seems the MLS remains his priority over other possible options such as the Saudi Pro League. And it seems the MLS’ newest franchise is not the only team to have harbored interest in the City captain, with another as yet unnamed team also linked.
The mystery of the discovery rights
Other teams in the MLS are said to currently own De Bruyne’s Discovery Rights, although the team’s identity is unclear – but Bogert added that it was not San Diego, Charlotte FC, or the Chicago Fire. These rights essentially give a team first rights to negotiate with a player not already on an MLS roster, with these rights available to be sold on to other teams.
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New York City FC a potential landing spot?
With three logical landing spots ruled out, Bogert suggested there’s a chance that the team currently in possession of De Bruyne’s Discovery Rights could be New York City FC. This would make a great deal of sense for both the team and player as they, like his current team, are both owned by the City Group.
This would also not be the first time a major player has moved between these two sister clubs, with England icon Frank Lampard having done just that in 2015. Injuries limited Lampard to just 31 appearances for New York in all competitions, although he still managed to rack up 15 goals and four assists during his season and a half in the U.S.
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Inter Miami also in the mix?
However, another possible landing spot in the MLS could be David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Currently loaded with talent such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, it was reported by The Mirror that the team is prepared to hand De Bruyne a deal.
A move for De Bruyne would be in keeping with managing owner Jorge Mas’ approach with the Herons, having said in November: “There are no budget limitations, we will bring the best players we can from anywhere in the world.”
