Kevin De Bruyne next club options have shifted from a likely Saudi Arabian destination to a potential move to the MLS.
The Belgian playmaker is out of contract with Man City in 2025, and the Citizens' stalwart is yet to sign a renewal with the Premier League champions. Due to this indecision, question marks over the 32-year-old’s future at the Etihad have arisen.
We assess whether one of the Premier League's greatest providers will be tempted to move to the US, or whether the appeal of the Saudi Pro League will prove too tempting.
Kevin De Bruyne next club – MLS vs Saudi Pro
Growing Standards and Money in the MLS
Following months of speculation that De Bruyne could be heading for Saudi Arabia at the end of the season, the Belgian proclaimed that he would prefer a transfer to the US this week.
The MLS has generally proven to be a preferable destination for elite players to see out the latter stages of their careers. This trend has continued in recent years with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Lorenzo Insigne plying their trade in the US.
There is also a strong level of competition in the MLS that De Bruyne might favour. Over the past 11 seasons, there have been nine different MLS Cup winners, highlighting the increasing competitiveness.
Moreover, the monetary aspect is unlikely to be a barrier for some American sides. Some clubs have cash to spend on big-money names, as Los Angeles FC were reportedly valued at $1 billion in 2023. Moreover, Messi is anticipated to earn around $150 million for his lucrative two-year contract with Inter Miami – such numbers that might tempt De Bruyne in his twilight playing years.
Will De Bruyne join the Saudi mega stars?
Yet, recent transfers to the Saudi Pro League have become a new trend among aging players, especially since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023. Other big names have followed, as Karim Benzema, Neymar and De Bruyne’s former teammate Riyad Mahrez have shifted to Saudi Arabia.
However, the blend of iconic footballing superstars and domestic Saudi Arabian players has yet to take off, and the overall standard in the Saudi Pro League is below that of the MLS. For instance, Ronaldo, at the age of 39, dominates the competition. In comparison, Messi has had a tougher time in the more demanding environment of the MLS, striking just one league goal in six appearances last season.
Furthermore, De Bruyne may have fewer options in Saudi Arabia compared to other destinations. Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal are 75% owned by the government’s Public Investment Fund, leaving these clubs to lure the best players.
Many Saudi Pro League teams would have the budget to match Man City’s asking price of around £90 million for De Bruyne. However, the same could be said for several MLS clubs today, while European rivals could also tempt the Belgian to see out his career at the top level.
Kevin De Bruyne next club – Projected odds
Inter Miami – 5/2
Following De Bruyne’s admission that he has a preference to join the MLS, Inter Miami are likely to be the frontrunners to make a move. For De Bruyne, the prospect of linking up with Messi and Suarez could be a massive factor in deciding his next destination.
Al-Ahli – 4/1
Several former Premier League players have joined Al-Ahli in the past year. Most notably, De Bruyne’s former teammate Riya Mahrez transferred here in the summer of 2023 and has made his mark on the Suadi Pro League with nine goals and eight assists. Such familiarity could suit De Bruyne, while further English top-flight players like Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy and Allan Saint-Maximin could help the Belgian’s transition.
Al-Nassr – 7/1
Al-Nassr have signed some of football’s biggest names since 2023. Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was the team’s most high-profile signing and several other world-class players in Sadio Mané and Marcelo Brozović have also joined the club. De Bruyne’s former City teammate Aymeric Laporte is also at the Saudi Pro League club, which could be an additional appeal to the Belgian.
Real Madrid – 9/1
City’s £90 million valuation for De Bruyne could put off several European clubs from making a bid. However, one giant with the budget to pull off this transfer is Real Madrid. Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti certainly has appeal and experience that can attract De Bruyne. The Italian coach could also see the Belgian as an experienced figurehead, from which the likes of Jude Bellingham and Brahim Díaz could learn.
Paris Saint-German – 10/1
Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain is another cash-rich outfit who could afford De Bruyne. Les Parisiens will also lose Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid this summer and the club will likely need a high-profile replacement. Playing under attack-focused Luis Enrique, who has a preference for dynamic, forward-thinking playmakers, could also be a selling point to the technically gifted De Bruyne.
