The news was first reported by Paul Tenorio of The Athletic on Monday. According to GIVEMESPORT, Inter Miami owns the discovery rights for Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, but no formal offer has been made as of yet. This means that the 33-year-old De Bruyne would likely have to accept a capped salary of around £680,000 in 2025, although all three of those players currently occupy the designated player slots at the club. According to sources, De Bruyne may anticipate becoming MLS’ second-highest paid player, with a salary closer to £12 million. There may be room for the Manchester City midfielder to earn less in his first year and renegotiate more lucrative terms in 2026, similar to the strategy used with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at LA Galaxy.
Jorge Mas, the managing owner, told Talk2soccer last year that there is money available to add more stars, but any move for De Bruyne would be difficult.
“I have always said we aspire to bring great players to our team,” Mas stated. “We have a lot of roster limitations and restrictions, but we have an unlimited budget.”
Possession of a player’s discovery rights does not guarantee an offer. Clubs can start a negotiation with discovery rights, but they can also be sold.
Although De Bruyne has not yet received an official offer from Inter Miami, those close to him emphasise that he is leaning towards MLS over a move to Saudi Arabia. Angel Di Maria is being considered as an additional possibility by the Florida-based team.
San Diego and De Bruyne also had preliminary discussions, but Talk2soccer disclosed last week that the new Major League Soccer team has chosen not to pursue the Belgian.
De Bruyne Set for Chance to Remain in Europe
MLS not only possible destination for Belgian this summer
There are probably alternatives for De Bruyne in Europe as well. Sources close to the club refute reports that he has already had advanced discussions with Saudi team NEOM SC, stressing that no goals for 2025–2026 have been finalised. Two additional clubs that have already enquired are Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal.
At the end of the current campaign, De Bruyne is expected to depart Manchester City. He would need to extend his contract to span the entire competition, which concludes in mid-July, but it is unknown if he would also play for Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues at the Club World Cup.
Although Inter Miami is competing in the Club World Cup as well, its secondary transfer window will start on July 24 following the conclusion of the competition. Premier League clubs have already accepted FIFA’s extraordinary window for signings, which is open to all federations from June 1–10. De Bruyne was unable to participate for Inter Miami at the Club World Cup, however it is unclear if MLS will follow suit.
