Kevin De Bruyne deserves to be in all-time Premier League midfield conversations. The Man City player informed the world via social media that it would be his last year with the club. While his time under Pep Guardiola is ending, many eagerly await what’s next for the Belgian.
Destination ready after season’s conclusion
However, if the 33-year-old elects to go to the MLS, his choice appears already made up. Inter Miami holds the discovery rights for the long-time Premier League midfielder, an important designation in the North American league. The Florida side has the first negotiation opportunity with the player.
With that in mind, it’s safe to say that his pairing with Lionel Messi is well within play. Naturally, this would indicate the end of his days in Europe and the Champions League. For many players, it serves as a good option once they are past their prime but not looking to entirely retire from the game yet.
Football Benefits If He Doesn’t Go To MLS Yet
For many, however, now is not the time for the Man City player to play in the Saudi League or MLS. Although injuries have often robbed him of considerable playing time, he still possesses the skill and sharpness to contribute in a meaningful role in Europe. Whether it were to be a Serie A side or an Aston Villa, for example, he is still young enough that his making a semi-retired move doesn’t quite feel right.
Granted, a Lionel Messi-Kevin De Bruyne pairing would be exciting for those following Inter Miami. The billboards in Florida would be a great spectacle. For football, it isn’t right for someone of the midfielder’s quality to be at that stage in his career.
Asking him to carry the majority of the responsibility is too much. His work rate needs to be on the lower end. Truthfully, he needs to be on a roster that can afford him to routinely miss games. This is why it makes sense for De Bruyne to step away from Man City. Guardiola will need to retool his squad and prepare for the next chapter of his club.
Villa Would Be an Ideal Fit for Kevin De Bruyne
For one of the best attacking midfielders ever, though, moving on from this team is best. That doesn’t need to mean a complete move from the Premier League. As mentioned, Villa would seemingly be an ideal fit. Monchi has done an excellent job of reinforcing Unai Emery’s selections. More importantly, this would allow De Bruyne not to need to play too many games and to keep him as healthy as possible while competing in the best club competitions in the world.
One day, the ‘Kevin De Bruyne’ resume could include an MLS side. That needs to be a footnote for the Belgian, however. In 2025-2026, the midfielder must be in a good situation while staying in critical, globally significant matches. When he is ready to play in North America, it’s clear where he’ll likely play. There needs to be a stop or two between then and his current Manchester City run, which is about to end.