American based club Inter Miami CF have secured the MLS discovery rights to Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, sources confirmed to ESPN, potentially setting the stage for the Belgian midfielder to join Lionel Messi and other high-profile names in south Florida.
De Bruyne announced last week on social media that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season when his contract expires.
The 33-year-old Belgian has been a key figure for the Premier League giants since arriving in 2015, helping them to numerous titles including UEFA Champions League during his tenure.
De Bruyne will be open to offers at the end of the season when his contract expires, but Inter Miami’s hold on his discovery rights gives them the exclusive opportunity to negotiate with him first if he opts for a move to Major League Soccer.
Accordingly to MLS rules, each club can place up to five players on a discovery list, granting them initial negotiating rights ahead of other teams. While De Bruyne had previously been linked to MLS expansion side San Diego FC, the club’s sporting director, Tyler Heaps, ruled out a move last summer, citing the midfielder’s high wage demands.
“I’ve had conversations with him,” Heaps said at the time. “But those wages won’t fit our budget right now based on his expectations.”
Inter Miami has already boast of an ageing star-studded players that includes Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets but De Bruyne’s experience could be important as the club gears up for a busy 2025, which includes participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, Leagues Cup, and the ongoing MLS season.
In his farewell message, De Bruyne expressed gratitude to Manchester City fans and the club:
“These will be my final months as a Manchester City player. This city, this club, these people gave me everything. I had no choice but to give everything back — and guess what, we won everything.”
During his time with City, De Bruyne won six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, and the UEFA Champions League which cements his legacy as one of the club’s greatest players.
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