Inter Miami could add a top player to compete in the Club World Cup

Kevin De Bruyne, considered one of the essential pillars in Manchester City's golden era under Pep Guardiola's leadership, announced a few days ago that he will leave the English club at the end of this season. At 33 years old, the talented Belgian midfielder will close a long 10-year chapter in which he won 14 titles, thus raising the question of what his next destination will be.

Although some rumors had already anticipated it, the official confirmation impacted the football world after a message that De Bruyne himself posted on his social media. "I'll get straight to the point and tell you that these will be my last months as a Manchester City player," he stated. "Football brought me to all of you, and to this city, chasing my dream, not knowing that this stage would change my life. This city, this club, these people... gave me everything. I had no choice but to give it all back. And guess what: we won it all. Like it or not, it's time to say goodbye." His words reflect the emotional weight of a momentous decision.

In a press conference, Guardiola confirmed that the decision not to renew the contract was made by the institution: "It was 100% the club's decision." According to various media, the management understood that the Belgian's cycle with the team was already complete.

According to reports from The Times and The Athletic, Inter Miami appears as one of the main interested parties in signing him. The American club, which already has Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, seeks to add De Bruyne as a central figure. However, his incorporation presents contractual obstacles, as the team has reached the limit of designated players allowed, those who fall outside the MLS salary cap.

The possible arrival of the Belgian coincides with the situation of Sergio Busquets, whose contract with the club ends in 2025. In that context, his signing could be seen as a natural transition toward a midfield change. It has been reported that David Beckham sees De Bruyne as the ideal replacement to take on that role.

Another MLS club, San Diego FC, also showed interest in adding him. Its sporting director, Tyler Heaps, revealed that there were talks, but ultimately no progress was made due to financial issues: "I've spoken with him, but I'll tell you one thing: that salary doesn't fit our current budget regarding his expectations." Thus, the club decided to withdraw from the race and released the discovery rights it had requested.

These rights allow MLS clubs to have priority in negotiating with certain foreign players. In this case, it was Inter Miami who moved quickly and secured the exclusive possibility of reaching an agreement withDe Bruyne if he chooses to play in the United States, according to The Athletic.

Meanwhile, the Belgian has not given any hints about his next destination. His departure leaves open the possibility that he could play in the Club World Cup, which will be held in the U.S. between June 15 and July 13, with Manchester City or with Inter Miami, if his transfer is completed. With his contract coming to an end, he becomes one of the most sought-after free agents in the market, with offers ranging from Europe to America, including a rumored link with River.