Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly entered talks with MLS side San Diego FC over a future transfer.
According to Give Me Sport, the Belgian midfielder would prefer a move to America instead of the riches of Saudi Arabia if he decides to leave the Premier League.
De Bruyne’s contract with the reigning English champions expires at the end of the season and there has been no clear indication on his future at City.
It’s claimed San Diego FC have held initial talks with De Bruyne’s camp and that there is interest in a deal from both sides.
However, speculation that the Belgian has been offered $20million-a-year to move to California are said to be wide of the mark.
Man City superstar Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly entered talks with MLS side San Diego FC
Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be a huge admirer of De Bruyne and has made a personal plea to Al-Nassr’s hierarchy to try and tempt him to join the Saudi Arabian club next summer.
The 33-year-old playmaker also had a ‘chat’ with Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League’s sporting director, in December. However, De Bruyne has claimed that their conversation was not about a possible transfer.
Asked earlier this year what his next move might be after City, he replied: ‘It’s hard to say now. We will be sitting around the table in the coming months.
‘I signed my contract at the right time. If there is a good offer and you tell Pep [Guardiola] that you want to leave, that is possible. This may be different at other clubs. But I have never indicated that I want to leave.
‘I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes… That is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my friends.’
De Bruyne has been absent for the majority of this season. He has played just six times in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
He also missed a huge chunk of the 2023-24 campaign due to a hamstring injury.
Despite featuring in just 18 Premier League games, he still produced four goals and 10 assists to help deliver City a record-breaking fourth consecutive title.
San Diego was awarded the MLS’s Expansion team in May 2023 with ownership group led by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour (second right) to take charge of the club
The new club will begin to play in MLS in 2025 at the 35,000-seat Snapdragon Stadium
San Diego FC is the MLS’ newest expansion franchise and will make their debut in February at the 35,000-seat Snapdragon Stadium.
The club recently hired coach Mikey Varas, who most recently was interim coach of the United States national team. San Diego also signed Mexican star Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano in June.
Besides Lozano, San Diego’s current roster includes forward Marcus Ingvartsen, midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, defender Paddy McNair, goalkeeper Duran Ferree and winger Alex Mighten.
San Diego is owned by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Tribe, the first Native American tribe to have an ownership stake in a professional soccer team.
The ownership group also includes San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado.
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