Four MLS teams initiate summer transfer pursuit of Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne is the subject of an intensifying battle from the MLS over his signature from the 2025/26 season and beyond, a new report has revealed.

The Belgium international will bring an end to his decade-long stay with Manchester City upon the conclusion of the ongoing season, after seeing the club take the decision not to renew his contract – which expires at the end of June.

That leaves Manchester City with the sizeable challenge of replacing arguably their greatest-ever player, and identifying a profile of player capable of taking on the creative weight that De Bruyne carried over the best part of 10 years at the Etihad Stadium.

The question still remains though, when De Bruyne could leave Manchester City, with his contract at the club expiring shortly after the group stage of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

It remains to be seen whether a short-term agreement will be reached between the Etihad Stadium club and De Bruyne over extending his stay by a matter of weeks in order for him to complete the tournament with Pep Guardiola’s side.

And should that happen, De Bruyne may not be leaving the United States following the tournament either, with the nation’s Major League Soccer division emerging as the most proactive suitor for his signature on a free transfer.

That is according to The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio and Pablo Maurer, who have revealed that all of Inter Miami, the Chicago Fire, New York City, and D.C. United have expressed interest and began exploratory talks aimed at signing Kevin De Bruyne this summer.

It is explained that De Bruyne’s MLS discovery rights – which are held by Inter Miami – will not be a barrier for another team to sign the Belgium international, and other interested parties would not have to pay the Florida club for the player’s rights.

Kevin De Bruyne spoke publicly for the first time following his social media announcements confirming his pending Manchester City exit after his stellar performance during the 5-2 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

The Belgian admitted that while he does not know what the future holds for himself and his family beyond the summer, he is open to all offers put to him, including those from England, across Europe, and further afield including the United States and Saudi Arabia.

“Next year I don’t know what’s going to happen but if teams come and can convince me something sporting is nice, a nice project, I’m able,” De Bruyne told Norwegian television from the Etihad Stadium.

“I know I’m not the youngest anymore but I still feel I’m able to perform at a very high level. I don’t know what teams are interested… Whatever project is available, I’m willing to listen.

“I love football, I love to play football, and if a nice project comes and my family is also good with that, then we’re able to make a decision.”

There has been a long-standing feeling within the game that should the choice come down to a switch out to the Middle-East or Stateside, then De Bruyne and his young family would favour the United States – a country they holiday to often during the closed-season.