Kevin De Bruyne to MLS? San Diego FC’s massive offer could change everything | OneFootball

The MLS has become the home of soccer's biggest names in search of new challenges, and it has grown rather fast. Now, it appears that San Diego FC, the newest franchise due to begin playing its games in 2025, is ready to move boundaries by targeting Kevin De Bruyne, the star of Manchester City and arguably one of the best midfielders from the past decade.

The audacious proposal of the Californian outfit intends to use the famous Designated Player rule to offer the Belgian a deal matching even that of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. But can this audacious strategem be truly used to lure the superstar away from the clutches of the Premier League? The Designated Player Rule and San Diego FC's Ambition

MLS works on an odd system of balancing out salary caps with marquee signings. The DP rule allows each team to sign up to three players whose salaries exceed the cap, allowing for the arrival of global stars.

The obvious example of how this policy can change the game for a league was Lionel Messi. San Diego FC is trying to follow suit with a competitive offer for De Bruyne, which would put him at the very top of MLS's salary rankings. If finalized, this signing would be a game-changing debut for the franchise.

Why Would Kevin De Bruyne Consider MLS?

At 33 years, with his Manchester City contract running till 2025, Kevin De Bruyne is still a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's machinery. But injuries, aside from the exhaustive nature of the Premier League, might just beckon him to less demanding climes.

The Saudi market also seems to come out as a competitor to the Belgian's signature, thanks to attractive offers by clubs supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. However, something fundamental leads the scale to another direction: It seems that De Bruyne's family prefers living in the United States-an aspect pinpointed by British outlet HITC. A wish above probably any astronomical number and, therefore, MLS would be the logical destination.

The Opportunity for the Belgian Playmaker

While a move from the Premier League to MLS is generally regarded as a sort of "career sunset, such an explanation would be too one-dimensional. Signing De Bruyne would not only be a coup for San Diego FC but a strategic boost for a league striving to nail down global relevance.

This doesn't put his place in the Belgian national team in jeopardy from a competitive perspective. Coach Domenico Tedesco has bluntly stated he fully trusts the midfielder, regardless of where he plays. In fact, this quietens the Belgian star to freely contemplate the next chapter of his career with no fear of losing his presence within the Belgian national team.

Hirving Lozano: The First Cornerstone

San Diego FC had already stirred the pot by signing Hirving Lozano, a standout Mexican who left Europe for the club's ambitious California project. Still 29, Lozano has plenty to give, and his arrival underlines the franchise's commitment to attracting global talent.

With De Bruyne on board, the Californians would boast not just one, but two superstars in their very first season of the MLS-a feat that few expansion franchises have achieved. "Naturally, the aspiration is to have a competitive squad from day one," General Manager Tyler Heaps says.

A Vision Beyond Star Signings

While marquee signings bring headlines, San Diego FC is also diving into the Expansion Draft-a very critical step toward integrating new teams into MLS. Heaps has emphasized depth in this process that will show the mixture of global stars with local players for the team.

Besides the addition of Mikey Varas as head coach, that really points toward tactical development and integration of youth. The inclusion of an experienced figure in the American soccer landscape shows seriousness in the project.

Impact on the U.S. Soccer Scene

Signing De Bruyne would be the game-changer for soccer in the United States. Besides securing MLS, this deal would instantly place San Diego FC in an elite place within the sport. These would raise the technical level if two players of the caliber of De Bruyne and Lozano are present. With that, huge commercial clout would be created.

With the U.S. soccer market growing as fast as it is, he would cement things. The spotlight of both fans and media, and of sponsors, too, would most definitely turn to California, making first-year San Diego FC an event known globally.

Be it for money, family comforts, or just a new challenge, Kevin De Bruyne's probable move to San Diego FC showcases MLS's capabilities of hiring top talents. The Belgian isn't finished as yet; he has a lot left in his tank, and all this may well happen on American soil. San Diego FC does look ready to go all guns blazing, and this daring nature might just be the difference between an ordinary start and a historical one.