Kevin De Bruyne, the legendary Manchester City playmaker, is reportedly considering a move to MLS, with Inter Miami emerging as a potential destination. This could mark the end of a decade-long career at the Etihad Stadium, during which De Bruyne amassed 14 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League title. As one of the most exciting free agents available in the summer, De Bruyne is poised to leave City at the end of the current season, as the club looks to shift focus to younger talent.
David Beckham’s Inter Miami is said to be weighing the possibility of signing the Belgian midfielder. Beckham, who is well-known for attracting top-tier talent to his MLS franchise, might be looking to add De Bruyne to the roster. If the move materializes, it would see De Bruyne join the likes of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, all of whom are currently playing at Inter Miami.
However, the situation comes with significant complications. Inter Miami already has its full quota of Designated Players (DPs), a category in MLS that allows players to earn above the league’s salary cap. Messi, Alba, and Busquets are all currently occupying these spots, which means the club would either have to part ways with one of them or navigate a complex salary structure to accommodate De Bruyne.
The current salary cap situation at Inter Miami is tight. According to reports, the club has only $3.1 million remaining in its budget for this season, which would require De Bruyne to accept a substantial pay cut if he were to join under the present setup. This is a significant departure from his current $26 million annual salary at Manchester City. Given the financial constraints, De Bruyne’s move would likely need to be structured in a way that would allow his salary to be adjusted later, possibly in the midseason transfer window in July.
Despite the financial hurdles, a move to Miami could appeal to De Bruyne for several reasons. Inter Miami is off to a strong start in the MLS season, currently unbeaten in their first seven games, with four wins and three draws, placing them second in the Eastern Conference. The prospect of playing alongside Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, could also be a major draw for De Bruyne, who has already achieved great success in Europe.
While De Bruyne’s move to Inter Miami would likely require careful financial planning and a potential reorganization of the roster, the Belgian midfielder’s ability to play at the highest level for many years could make him an invaluable addition to the MLS. As he prepares to leave Manchester City, where he has become a club legend, the potential move to Inter Miami could serve as a new chapter in his illustrious career, one that could bring him to the global stage of MLS football.