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Kevin De Bruyne: MLS club has 'right' to Man City star as San Diego drop out
Cameron Smith
- 4 Apr 2025 21:00 BST
- 4 min read
News
Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City in July and an unnamed MLS club reportedly hold the “rights” to negotiate a deal this summer.
De Bruyne, 33, announced his imminent Man City departure with a farewell message on social media on Friday and he is now in talks over a Bosman move during the upcoming summer window.
READ MORE: Arsenal want Antony transfer as Osimhen to Man Utd revealed
Current ETV
Kevin De Bruyne
M, AM (C)
Man City
Kevin De Bruyne
M, AM (C)
Man City
ETV Range
€23.9M - €29.2M
San Diego FC have been heavily linked with signing the Belgium international in recent weeks, but they have now pulled out of the race for his signature, according to GiveMeSport.
Instead, an unnamed MLS side currently have De Bruyne’s “discovery rights”, as per the report, which are used to prevent American top flight clubs from negotiating against each other for the same player.
De Bruyne reportedly favours a move to America over a Saudi Pro League switch, although the Belgium legend is also set to have suitors in Europe.
READ MORE: De Bruyne receives transfer PLEA after Man City exit confirmation
Dear Manchester. 💙 pic.twitter.com/2EdhVYOLti
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) April 4, 2025
What has Pep Guardiola said about Kevin De Bruyne?
During his pre-match press conference ahead of Man City’s clash against arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday, Pep Guardiola was asked about De Bruyne’s decision to leave the club.
“A sad day. And a happy day for the fact the pleasure personally we lived this time with him, what he gave to all of us, his humanity,” Guardiola admitted.
“It's not necessary to tell his success with us in the last decade - impossible to imagine without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving. When Vincent [Kompany] left or Sergio [Aguero] left or David Silva left, their contribution - I can say more names, these three are examples.”
Guardiola continued: “[He is] one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Man City there's no doubt.
STATS
Kevin De Bruyne
M, AM (C)
Man City
Kevin De Bruyne
M, AM (C)
Man City
“Greatest or not the greatest, always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road, incredible players in the last 20, 30 years in this club.
“But come on, there's no doubt he's one of the greatest for sure because of his consistency in important games, not important games, being there every three days all the time. That is no doubt."
