Manchester City attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could be set to link up with a little-known Englishman who could be paid 35 times less than the Belgian if he joined an MLS club.
De Bruyne, 33, announced that he will be leaving Man City at the end of the season in a statement back in April.
“Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye," read a section of the emotional statement.
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However, the six-time Premier League winner has since opened up about how he learned of the news and admitted he was surprised by the decision not to renew his contract.
“There was a little bit (of shock),” said De Bruyne after City’s 2-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park on April 19.
"I didn't have any offer from them through the whole year, and the club made a decision.
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"Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing, but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.”
He then revealed that he found it tough in the days that followed as his “family weren’t home” due to them being on holiday.
The City man has since been linked with a potential move to several clubs, including Liverpool and Aston Villa, with switches to the MLS and Saudi Pro League also mentioned in various reports.
On Thursday (May 8), Sky Sports reported that discussions have been held between the player’s team and Serie A side Napoli over a potential move.
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Two days earlier, BBC Sport reported that Inter Miami had “relinquished” their option to hold talks with De Bruyne, leaving Chicago Fire as favourites to sign him if he were to move to the States.
And if he did sign for Chicago, he could end up pocketing 35 times more than one of his teammates.
According to Capology, De Bruyne currently earns a base salary of £20.8m per year – £400,000 per week.
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Meanwhile, Chicago’s London-born centre-back Jack Elliott earned a fraction of the Belgian’s salary last year and took home around £603,000 in 2024 – although his current wage is unknown.
What has Kevin De Bruyne said?
In November 2024, De Bruyne maintained that he could still "make a difference" at the top level.
He said: "I can make a difference for this team.
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"And as long as I feel that, that's a good indicator I can still play at the top level. So that's the only assurance that I need."
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, MLS, Transfer News, Football, Champions League, Premier League, Napoli
Luke Davies