The Belgian midfielder, who in his heyday was the world’s best in his days in Naples and Serie A, is numbered.
San Diego FC has reopened negotiations to secure the signing of Kevin De Bruyne from Napoli ahead of the upcoming winter transfer market. A significant move for MLS.
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According to journalist Nicolò Schira, the Californian club is preparing an offer under the “Designated Player” rule, after the Italian management decided not to use the unilateral renewal clause for one extra year in his contract.
Napoli’s decision and the transfer path for San Diego FC in January
The Belgium international with 127 caps and 40 goals for Belgium joined the Serie A club in 2025 after turning down offers from the United States to compete in top European football. However, since the Italian club refused to extend his contract until 2028, the player will become a free agent in June 2027 – prompting Italian managers to accept a financial negotiation in January to realise a profit on his market value of €8 million.
The opening of the US transfer market at the start of the year allows the US team to present an immediate transfer compensation to speed up the midfielder’s arrival.
The Italian football press is outraged and believes that Napoli should secure an extension of the deal and invest in him for a few more years. Kevin De Bruyne is 35 years old and too young to “retire” in MLS.
San Diego FC reopens negotiations to sign Kevin De Bruyne in the upcoming winter market
MLS competition with Inter Miami and Chicago Fire
In addition to the advanced negotiations from San Diego FC, Inter Miami and Chicago Fire are also closely monitoring the situation, with the latter already submitting a formal bid for the player in 2025. MLS’s salary rules allow clubs to register up to three “Designated Players” outside the budget limit, making it possible to structure a million-dollar contract for the Belgian attacker.
The Californian management believes that a guarantee of a long-term contract will influence the player’s decision in favor of the American league over the competition.
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The framework to house Kevin De Bruyne’s signing
The management of San Diego FC is considering the budget allocation required to pay a moderate transfer fee to the Italian club and secure the player’s contract. The freed up places in the squad ensure the financial liquidity needed to complete the deal.
The club’s managers are confident that the financial offer will exceed the player’s salary demands in his final year of his professional career.
Representatives of Kevin De Bruyne will hold face-to-face meetings with San Diego FC’s envoys during the international break in November.
If Napoli approves the financial compensation presented from MLS, San Diego FC will formalize the midfielder’s signing at the start of the transfer market in 2027.
