Kevin De Bruyne announced his departure from Manchester City at the end of the current season, closing a remarkable ten-year chapter at the Etihad. The Belgian midfielder, who joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015, has been a pivotal figure in the club’s domestic and international success.
De Bruyne’s decision to leave has sparked widespread speculation about his next destination. While several clubs are keen to secure his services, Inter Miami holds the discovery rights in Major League Soccer (MLS), granting them the first opportunity to negotiate with the player. According to ESPN, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham could soon initiate talks with De Bruyne regarding a potential free transfer. The MLS side is gearing up for participation in the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup this summer, alongside their regular season commitments.
Kevin De Bruyne wrote on social media: “Dear Manchester… Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. That day is here— and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what — we won EVERYTHING. Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports— and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, Kdb.”
During his illustrious tenure at Manchester City, De Bruyne amassed an impressive collection of 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Super Cups, and one Club World Cup. His individual accolades include two Player of the Year awards, underscoring his influence and excellence on the pitch.
Despite the interest from MLS, financial constraints could pose a challenge. Inter Miami’s Jay Heaps previously remarked on the difficulty of meeting De Bruyne’s wage expectations within their current budget.
Heaps said: “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.”
As De Bruyne prepares for his final months in Manchester, the football world eagerly awaits his next move. Whether he chooses to continue his career in North America or elsewhere, his legacy at Manchester City is firmly cemented.
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