Manchester City’s star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly considering a future move to Major League Soccer (MLS), a switch that could potentially see him follow in the path of legends like Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Zlatan Ibrahimović in boosting the league’s visibility and appeal. De Bruyne, who has been an integral figure in City’s recent success, has racked up 103 goals and 171 assists over 388 appearances since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015. Known for his remarkable vision, precision passing, and playmaking abilities, the Belgian midfielder has been central to City’s golden era, contributing to six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
Yet as De Bruyne’s contract nears its expiration at the end of this season, his future at the Etihad remains uncertain. Recent injury issues have limited his availability, and City is reportedly deliberating whether to offer a contract renewal. Amid this uncertainty, rumors have surfaced that De Bruyne has entered preliminary discussions with San Diego FC, an MLS expansion club set to make its league debut in 2025. Such a move would align De Bruyne with the trend of global stars opting to finish their careers in the United States, following the high-profile arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and the successful stints of Beckham and Ibrahimović at LA Galaxy.
Bruce Arena, an influential figure in American soccer who managed Beckham during his time with the LA Galaxy, spoke about the impact international stars like De Bruyne could bring to MLS. Reflecting on De Bruyne’s potential move, Arena shared his admiration for the midfielder, calling him an “outstanding person” and lauding his skill and attitude. “I’ve met De Bruyne a couple of times. He’s an outstanding person. If he decides to come here, I think he’ll have the right attitude and bring a lot to the league,” Arena stated in a recent interview with talkSPORT. He pointed to the enormous contributions of players like Messi, Ibrahimović, and Robbie Keane, emphasizing how their involvement has elevated MLS by drawing new fans and increasing interest in American soccer.
Messi’s recent move to Inter Miami, in particular, has been a landmark moment for MLS, shifting global attention to the league and making it an attractive alternative for top players looking to expand their careers outside Europe. With Saudi Arabian clubs also courting high-profile talent through lucrative deals, the competitive landscape for signing top players is evolving. Over the summer, De Bruyne himself was linked to Saudi Arabia and acknowledged that he would consider an offer from the region, given the financial incentives. However, Messi’s presence in MLS may now entice De Bruyne to take his talents stateside, where the Belgian could make a similarly transformative impact.
If De Bruyne were to leave, Manchester City would face the challenge of replacing one of their most influential players. Phil Foden has emerged as a potential successor, but De Bruyne’s unique influence on the pitch may necessitate additional reinforcements. According to sources, City is closely monitoring two young midfield stars: Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala. Both players have shown remarkable skill and potential, with Wirtz expected to be available at the end of the season. City’s pursuit of Wirtz, however, is likely to face competition from Real Madrid, while Musiala, though harder to sign, remains a longer-term option as Bayern Munich reportedly aims to build their team around him.
The speculation around De Bruyne’s potential exit is occurring amid other notable managerial movements and transfer interests at City. Recent reports have shed light on why the club opted against appointing Ruben Amorim, the Sporting CP manager, despite a strong connection through Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, who is set to replace Txiki Begiristain at City. The City hierarchy reportedly felt Amorim’s style wouldn’t align seamlessly with the current squad and Guardiola’s preferred system. Liverpool, too, was interested in Amorim but ultimately turned away due to his insistence on a back-three formation, which did not align with Liverpool’s tactical setup.
Meanwhile, City players are gaining individual recognition, with midfielder Rodri making history as the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or. While Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior was seen as a strong contender, Ballon d’Or chief Vincent García noted that the presence of multiple Madrid players in the top five – including Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal – likely affected Vinícius’ chances, ultimately giving Rodri an edge in the vote. García reflected, “Vinícius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took some points away from him.”
Rodri’s victory highlights the exceptional season City enjoyed under Guardiola’s leadership, capturing the treble and showcasing a team rich in both talent and cohesion. As De Bruyne’s future remains uncertain, City’s ongoing commitment to developing new stars and staying competitive in transfer markets positions them to continue their success.
For MLS, landing a player of De Bruyne’s caliber would further its goal of becoming a premier global soccer league. De Bruyne’s presence could attract new fans, elevate the quality of play, and continue the momentum Messi has sparked. As Arena noted, “The contributions from those types of players are huge… so I think it’s only a positive to MLS.” This next chapter in De Bruyne’s career, whether in MLS or elsewhere, will undoubtedly influence the landscape of both European and American soccer.