Kevin De Bruyne’s Next Destination: Inter Miami or Elsewhere?

MIAMI, FL – Kevin De Bruyne, the star midfielder of Manchester City, could soon don the colors of Inter Miami, as the club holds his discovery rights in Major League Soccer (MLS). Sources confirmed that De Bruyne will become a free agent at the end of the current season, potentially paving the way for a high-profile transfer this summer.

De Bruyne, 33, announced Friday on social media that he would leave Manchester City when his contract expires on June 30, amid one of the most decorated tenures in Premier League history. Since joining in 2015, he contributed to an impressive tally of 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League crown, and numerous domestic cups.

“This city. This club. These people … gave me everything,” De Bruyne stated. “I had no choice but to give everything back! Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.”

His departure opens the door for potential negotiations with Inter Miami, who would have the first opportunity to pursue the Belgian star. According to MLS rules, teams may have up to five players on their discovery list, allowing the team to negotiate exclusively with the player listed.

“I’ve had conversations with him, but I’ll tell you what: Those wages won’t fit our budget at the moment in terms of what his expectations are,” said Tyler Heaps, sporting director of a previous MLS expansion team linked to De Bruyne.

Inter Miami is already home to several high-profile stars, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, and is preparing to participate in the 2025 Club World Cup. While the Herons are confident in their chances of signing De Bruyne, they face challenges due to their roster structure, which fills the maximum of three designated player positions.

“Bringing De Bruyne into the fold would require some flexibility in terms of salary cap logistics,” said a source close to the team. If De Bruyne is signed as a targeted allocation money (TAM) player, he could earn a capped salary in his first season, similar to how the LA Galaxy managed to sign Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Despite potential interests from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe, insiders feel De Bruyne is leaning towards MLS. His arrival would significantly bolster Inter Miami’s midfield as they aim for greater success in the upcoming season.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano remains optimistic despite the complexities of signing a player of De Bruyne’s caliber. “We’re always looking to strengthen our squad. His quality speaks for itself,” Mascherano noted.

As De Bruyne prepares for his exit from Manchester City, both fans and players watch closely to see if he becomes the newest addition to an ever-expanding roster of football talent in Miami.