San Diego FC, an expansion team in Major League Soccer, reportedly engaged in discussions with representatives of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne regarding the player’s potential interest in joining the club. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the conversation primarily centered around De Bruyne’s openness to playing in southern California. However, it’s emphasized that this conversation did not progress beyond this point, and there are no immediate plans for a transfer. De Bruyne recently achieved his fourth consecutive Premier League title with Manchester City, contributing six goals and 18 assists this season. While MLS teams in California typically attract older European players, San Diego FC’s entry into the league next season introduces a new factor to consider in player recruitment.
The potential for a move to Major League Soccer for Kevin De Bruyne largely hinges on the expiration of his contract with Manchester City next summer. With an impressive trophy collection, De Bruyne could opt to retire, but if he decides to continue playing, MLS teams, and possibly clubs in Saudi Arabia, may seek to attract him. Additionally, the connection between New York City FC and City Football Group adds another layer of possibility for De Bruyne’s destination.
The interest in De Bruyne aligns with recent trends where MLS clubs, such as San Diego FC and Charlotte FC, have engaged in discussions with high-profile players like Hirving Lozano, Sergio Ramos, and Marco Reus. These conversations underscore MLS’s growing appeal as a destination for top talent looking for new challenges and opportunities.
