Kevin De Bruyne ‘Closer Than Ever’ to Signing with MLS Side San Diego Fc

The British press is abuzz with reports that Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, is on the brink of a significant career move. The 33-year-old Belgian is rumored to be finalizing a contract with San Diego FC, the newest entrant in the Major League Soccer (MLS), signaling a potential shift to the American soccer scene.

The speculation intensified after De Bruyne’s post-match interview following Manchester City’s victory over West Ham. When asked about his future with the Premier League champions, the former Chelsea player sidestepped the question, stating, “I don’t want to talk about the future with the team because right now my priority is to regain my form. I feel like I’m improving every week. Now I’m strong enough to play 90 minutes. The last few months have been tough due to various injuries.”

De Bruyne’s reluctance to commit to Manchester City has sparked conversations about his next move. With his contract expiring this summer, the Belgian appears to be mentally preparing for life beyond the Etihad. Reports suggest that he is open to exploring MLS as a destination for the next chapter of his career, with San Diego FC leading the race to secure his signature.

San Diego FC’s Ambitious Bid

San Diego FC, set to debut in the 2025 MLS season, has made no secret of its ambition to recruit marquee players. The club is reportedly ready to submit an official bid for De Bruyne in the ongoing January transfer window, aiming to secure his services before the season begins in February. Rather than waiting to sign him on a free transfer in the summer, San Diego is willing to pay a transfer fee to Manchester City to expedite the move.

The team, backed by a group of high-profile investors including former football stars like Juan Mata, has already made headlines by signing notable players such as Hirving Lozano and Paddy McNair. Adding Kevin De Bruyne to their roster would be a monumental step in establishing themselves as a competitive force in MLS.

The Belgian’s MLS Aspirations

De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, seems intrigued by the prospect of ending his illustrious career in the United States. At 33, he remains a vital cog in Manchester City’s system, but his recent injury struggles have raised questions about his long-term future at the club.

According to reports, De Bruyne is enticed by the idea of a lucrative contract in MLS, which could also offer him a less physically demanding league while allowing him to showcase his skills on a different stage. San Diego FC envisions him as a cornerstone of their project, a player capable of leading the team both on and off the field.

Manchester City’s Dilemma

For Manchester City, the decision to let go of De Bruyne this January or risk losing him for free in the summer poses a significant dilemma. Despite his injury setbacks, De Bruyne remains a pivotal player for Pep Guardiola’s side. Losing him mid-season could disrupt their quest for silverware across multiple competitions.

However, the allure of a transfer fee in January might tempt City to part ways with their star midfielder earlier than anticipated. The club is reportedly weighing its options carefully, with both sporting and financial considerations at play.

San Diego FC’s Rising Profile

San Diego FC’s entry into MLS has been marked by bold moves and ambitious plans. The club’s first-ever match is scheduled for February 23 against the defending MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy. A week later, they will host their inaugural home game at Snapdragon Stadium against St. Louis City.

Adding Kevin De Bruyne to their squad would not only enhance their on-field capabilities but also elevate their profile within MLS and the global football community. His presence would undoubtedly attract fans and sponsors, further solidifying San Diego FC’s place as a team to watch in the league.

A Developing Story

As negotiations reportedly progress, British media outlets have highlighted the advanced stage of talks between De Bruyne and San Diego FC. While no official announcement has been made yet, the deal is said to be “closer than ever,” sparking excitement among MLS fans and raising questions among Manchester City supporters about the club’s plans for the future.

If the transfer materializes, it would mark a significant milestone for both De Bruyne and San Diego FC. For the Belgian, it would be an opportunity to embark on a new adventure after years of dominating European football. For San Diego, it would be a statement of intent as they aim to make an immediate impact in MLS.

In the coming days, all eyes will be on Kevin De Bruyne as the footballing world awaits confirmation of his next move. Will he choose to extend his Manchester City legacy, or will he take his talents across the Atlantic to write a new chapter in his storied career? One thing is certain: the story is far from over.