Kevin De Bruyne in MLS? Sounds crazy, right? We’re talking about one of the greatest players of the last decade, the brains behind Manchester City’s success, a living legend in England. But what if I told you that this isn’t as far-fetched as you might think? Yep, word on the street is that San Diego FC has already put down a solid offer for the Belgian playmaker, matching the jaw-dropping salary he currently pulls in from the Premier League.
De Bruyne, now 33, is at a crucial crossroads in his career. His contract with Manchester City runs out at the end of the 2024/2025 season, so the question isn’t if he’ll leave but where he’ll go next. While big money from the Middle East calls many top players, De Bruyne seems to be eyeing a different path, driven by quality of life. Reportedly, he and his wife are leaning toward raising their kids in the United States rather than heading to Saudi Arabia, where plenty of stars have landed lately.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
MLS has proven its pull with names like Lionel Messi, and now they’re looking to bring in another superstar. San Diego FC, a fresh-faced but ambitious franchise, wants to debut with a bang, and snagging De Bruyne would be a genius move. The Belgian still has plenty of gas in the tank, and his vision and passing could totally reshape any midfield in the league.
The truth is, De Bruyne’s won about everything he could in Europe by now. Since he arrived at City in 2015 from Wolfsburg, he’s been the core of the club’s golden era. Sure, there’s always that pressure to keep performing at the highest level, and the Premier League is an unmatched stage; but it wouldn’t be a shock if he sought a fresh challenge in MLS, where the lifestyle and league growth could easily attract someone who’s already achieved so much.
Life in MLS offers a unique blend of calm and competition you just don’t find in most places. For someone like De Bruyne, who’s been at the peak for years, it makes sense to want a smoother transition without losing touch with a rising soccer scene. Plus, the U.S. offers a level of safety and stability that, for a family, can weigh way more than the glamour of other markets.
On the field, De Bruyne would be a maestro, dictating the game’s pace and delivering those pinpoint assists like always. His knack for reading the game and spotting open spaces no one else sees could be deadly in a league where many teams are still working out their tactical identity. For instance, San Diego FC could take a big leap forward by bringing in a player of his caliber right from the start.
If this deal actually goes down, MLS would land a rare gem. And let’s be real, living in San Diego wouldn’t be half bad for De Bruyne, one of the prettiest, most vibrant cities in the U.S. With sunny beaches and a growing sports culture, the Belgian could find the perfect balance between playing at a high level and living that laid-back life he’s after. Not to mention, from a marketing standpoint, De Bruyne moving to MLS would be a goldmine for brands and sponsors eager to link up with a big name.
Now, don’t get me wrong; going to Saudi Arabia wouldn’t be totally out of left field either. The country’s pumping massive money into soccer, with irresistible offers for global stars. But, as it stands, De Bruyne seems more drawn to the lifestyle the U.S. promises. For him, it looks like the gleam of Saudi gold just doesn’t stack up to the balanced, family-focused life he could get in the States.