New MLS franchise San Diego FC have held “talks” with the agents of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, according to GiveMeSport.
The Belgian international is out of contract at the end of the season and he will be available on a free transfer in July.
De Bruyne is believed to favour a move to Major League Soccer if he does decide to leave the Cityzens.
GiveMeSport report that the Premier League champions are still “keen” on keeping the player but he is open to the idea of making the switch across the pond.
San Diego’s interest in De Bruyne is longstanding
It was first reported by The Athletic‘s Tom Bogert in May that the MLS side had “expressed interest” in the 33-year-old.
He has now followed that up in a joint article with Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, confirming that San Diego have had more formal discussions with De Bruyne’s entourage.
At this stage, any talks are “preliminary”, mainly due to the fact that the player can’t officially negotiate with other teams until his contract reaches the final six months at the beginning of next year.
City will also have to fight off offers from Saudi Arabia
There are also thought to be at least three Saudi Pro League teams who have registered an interest in De Bruyne, with Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadisah reportedly all in the frame.
However, those clubs have yet to be given any encouragement from De Bruyne and his representatives that they are interested in starting negotiations.
The Belgian admitted in the summer that he was tempted by the life-changing money on offer from the Middle East but there is a feeling that he still prefers a switch to the United States for family reasons.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
