De Bruyne’s Next Move: San Diego, Saudi Arabia, or City Extension? | OneFootball

De Bruyne’s Future at Man City: MLS Interest and the Contract Conundrum

Kevin De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City has become one of the most intriguing storylines for fans and pundits alike. Recent reports suggested a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS), with San Diego having made contact with the Belgian midfielder’s entourage. However, TEAMtalk has clarified that while initial talks took place, a move is far from imminent, and there have been no significant developments on the transfer front as yet.

De Bruyne and MLS: What’s the Situation?

San Diego’s interest in De Bruyne has been ongoing for several months, with the MLS club considering the 32-year-old as a possible addition for their 2025 campaign. Yet, while speculation is rife, it appears that both San Diego and De Bruyne’s camp remain in early-stage discussions. San Diego has already secured Andrés Dreyer and Chucky Lozano as Designated Players for the upcoming season, meaning they may not immediately pursue another big-name signing.

Recent reports indicated that a deal with De Bruyne could be on the cards, but those claims seem premature. No concrete steps have been made, and no fresh negotiations have been initiated. Despite this, De Bruyne has been linked with moves to both the MLS and the Saudi Pro League, leaving fans speculating over his next move when his contract expires in June 2025.

Photo: IMAGO

De Bruyne Prefers MLS to Saudi Move

Sources close to the player suggest that De Bruyne leans towards a move to the United States rather than Saudi Arabia. With the Saudi Pro League’s strong financial offers, De Bruyne’s preference for the MLS suggests a personal and professional alignment with the competition that has gained prominence with stars like Lionel Messi making the move. A similar deal to Messi’s high-profile transfer to Inter Miami could yet materialise, though as of now, it remains a distant possibility.

When asked about his future and a possible contract extension with City in an interview in January, De Bruyne provided little clarity. He said: “I’ve not spoken to them for the moment. I wanted to get better, I’m doing better, so I’m happy. We’ll see, something will happen.” This reflects his open-ended approach to his future, indicating that while talks may not have started yet, they could soon follow as the expiration of his current deal approaches.

Manchester City’s Desire to Extend De Bruyne’s Stay

From Manchester City’s perspective, De Bruyne remains a vital player in their midfield. Pep Guardiola has been keen to extend De Bruyne’s contract for another year, underlining his importance to the team’s continued success. The midfielder’s contributions to City have been immeasurable, and the club will undoubtedly look to retain him for as long as possible. However, it’s clear that De Bruyne, ever the professional, is taking his time to make any decisions about his future.

Photo IMAGO

De Bruyne’s Legacy at Manchester City

Since his arrival at City in 2015, De Bruyne has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best-ever midfielders. From scoring crucial goals in the Champions League to setting up decisive assists in record-breaking Premier League campaigns, his influence on City’s rise to dominance is undeniable. Achievements such as being named Premier League Player of the Season twice and playing a central role in City’s treble-winning campaign in 2023 cemented his place in club history.

As of April 2024, De Bruyne has also reached the milestone of 100 goals for the club, a testament to his consistent quality and longevity. His leadership on and off the pitch is something Guardiola would be reluctant to lose, and as discussions continue to evolve, both City and De Bruyne’s camp will likely continue to weigh their options carefully.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

There is no doubting the immense value Kevin De Bruyne brings to the team. His vision, his ability to unlock defences, and his leadership on the pitch are qualities that make him irreplaceable. While the possibility of losing him to MLS or the Saudi Pro League may seem daunting, it is important to remember the wealth of talent City has at their disposal. Players like Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and Rodri have shown that Guardiola can adapt his system to continue thriving, with or without De Bruyne.

That said, the thought of De Bruyne leaving is still hard to digest. His contributions to City’s success, both domestically and internationally, cannot be overstated. His performances in key matches – particularly in the Champions League – have been exceptional, and his departure would leave a huge gap in midfield.

The hope is that City’s desire to keep him extends beyond a mere one-year contract extension, and that a longer-term solution can be found. His commitment to the team is evident, but it is clear that he also values the next step in his career, which might well lead him to MLS.