The Belgian midfielder is attracting plenty of interest with several clubs already lining up for his signature.
Kevin De Bruyne has officially announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable decade-long spell at the club. The Belgian midfielder, who will turn 34 in June, has been a cornerstone of City’s success since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015.
Over the past 10 years, De Bruyne has amassed an incredible 16 trophies with the Manchester giants, including six Premier League titles and the club’s long-awaited UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023. Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, De Bruyne’s vision and creativity have helped redefine City’s identity under Pep Guardiola. As he prepares to take the next step in his career, here are five clubs who could potentially sign the Manchester City star.
With Major League Soccer emerging as a likely destination for Kevin De Bruyne, it’s no surprise that David Beckham’s Inter Miami have been linked with the Manchester City star. The prospect of De Bruyne teaming up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in Florida is a tantalizing one for fans around the globe.
However, there’s a significant hurdle to overcome for the MLS club. Inter Miami’s three Designated Player (DP) slots – reserved for high-earning stars who are exempt from the MLS salary cap – are currently filled by Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. For De Bruyne to join the club, a reshuffling of their star-studded roster would be required.
A nostalgic return to Wolfsburg has also emerged as a potential option for Kevin De Bruyne for the final chapter of his illustrious European career. It was during the 2014/15 season at the Bundesliga club that De Bruyne truly exploded onto the global stage, registering 20 assists, which was a record in the Bundesliga at the time. He also scored 10 goals and won the Bundesliga Player of the Year award.
The Belgian’s performances for Wolfsburg paved the way for his move to Manchester City later that summer. A return to the Volkswagen Arena could appeal to De Bruyne as a desire to give back to the club that helped him become a world-class midfielder. While it may not offer the glamour of MLS or the financial riches of Saudi Arabia, a Wolfsburg reunion would resonate with football romantics.
San Diego FC have already shown serious intent in making Kevin De Bruyne a Designated Player. In fact, San Diego previously held the discovery rights to the Belgian maestro, which gave them exclusive negotiating rights. However, their interest has cooled of a bit recently.
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But San Diego FC have an open Designated Player slot. The Belgian star has spent time in the city before. Sporting director Tyler Heaps had previously acknowledged discussions with De Bruyne’s camp, though he admitted that salary demands were initially beyond the club’s financial scope. However, a marquee summer signing like De Bruyne could energise a squad that already features two DPs in Hirving Lozano and Anders Dreyer.
Currently dominating the Saudi second division and on the brink of promotion, Neom SC has emerged as a serious contender in the race for Kevin De Bruyne’s signature. Backed by significant financial resources, the club is reportedly in advanced talks with the Belgian star in a bid to make a high-profie signing as they prepare for top-tier football. The Belgian midfielder is said to be open to the move, which would see him unite with former Premier League attacker Said Benrahma.
Reigning Saudi champions Al Hilal are also keeping a close eye on Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the Club World Cup. However, Al Hilal are currently trailing Neom SC in the race for his signature.
As Manchester City’s sister club, New York City FC appears to be the ideal destination for Kevin De Bruyne. The Eastern Conference side currently have two available Designated Player slots and just one DP on their roster, making them well-positioned to pursue a high-profile signing like Kevin De Bruyne. They also the salary flexibility to offer a competitive package to the Belgian star.
Currently, NYCFC’s only rostered DP is defender Thiago Martins and the team is still recovering from the departure of Santiago Rodriguez, who was sold to Botafogo for $17 million. His exit has left a creative void in midfield, one that De Bruyne, with his vision and experience, could fill perfectly as the team’s new No. 10. With forward Alonso Martinez off to a blistering start in 2024, adding a world-class playmaker like De Bruyne could elevate NYCFC’s attack to an elite level.
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