While the world was watching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, the transfer market was getting a lot busier with the possibility of Kevin De Bruyne staying in European soccer and forgetting about Major League Soccer's interest. Inter Miami had let the Belgian's option to buy expire, but Chicago Fire, DC United and New York City were all holding talks and confident of signing him. However, all indications are that both will be left without the 33-year-old midfielder.
Napoli have sprung a surprise and decided to make a big offer for the midfielder to be the team's main technical reference next season. In the lead-up to the current Serie A season against Inter Milan, the Neapolitan side are betting heavily on the excellent relationship that De Bruyne has with Romlelu Lukaku, with both playing for the same country being a big differentiator.
However, Kevin De Bruyne's destination may be neither the MLS nor the Italian Seria A, with the Belgian able to stay in the Premier League because of heavy investment from Liverpool. The Reds are considering a big offer even with the rivalry with Manchester City, and this is a very special moment in the Belgian's career.
European teams thwart MLS plans for Kevin De Bruyne
When we talk about Kevin De Bruyne, we're talking about a midfielder with 418 games played for Manchester City since 2015, with 108 goals scored and an incredible 177 assists, impressive figures for one of the longest-serving players in Premiership history. The Belgian has also won six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, as well as triumphing in the UEFA Champions League in the Citzens' historic title triumph in 2023.
That's why it would be sensational for the MLS to have a player of this high level as a draw for their games, as well as other stars and veterans who are struggling. However, negotiations with the four clubs in the United States have always seemed a long way off, considering that the Belgian has a level and market in top-level European soccer.