Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly considering a move to Inter Miami after his Manchester City exit, with the club aiming to sign him despite roster restrictions, as he would join Lionel Messi in MLS, though financial and roster adjustments will be required.

Kevin De Bruyne, one of the Premier League’s most exceptional talents, is reportedly set to leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, with Inter Miami emerging as the frontrunner for his signature.

The Belgian midfielder has been an integral part of City’s success over the last decade, contributing to numerous domestic and European titles.

His departure marks the end of an era for the club, and now, with the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer, MLS club Inter Miami is keen to bring him on board, potentially creating one of the most formidable midfield pairings in football alongside Lionel Messi.

De Bruyne, 33, has made it clear that he is open to new challenges, and a move to MLS represents a unique step in his illustrious career.

Despite his massive success in Europe, the allure of joining Messi at Inter Miami could offer a fresh chapter in his footballing journey. However, the move is not without complications.

Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, has already filled its three Designated Player (DP) slots with Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—high-profile signings that have elevated the club’s profile since Messi’s arrival in 2023.

Under MLS rules, a team can only have three players designated as DPs, and the club will need to navigate these restrictions if they are serious about bringing in De Bruyne.

Reports indicate that De Bruyne’s current salary at Manchester City is around £400,000 per week, but he has expressed willingness to take a significant pay cut should he move to MLS.

His expected salary is believed to be in the region of £11.8 million per year, which would still make him one of the highest-paid players in the league but far less than his current wage.

This salary reduction reflects his desire for a new challenge and his appreciation for the opportunity to play in a growing league like MLS. It also indicates that De Bruyne is not solely motivated by money at this stage in his career.

Inter Miami’s interest in De Bruyne is part of their broader ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup. The club’s owners are committed to turning Inter Miami into a global powerhouse, with Messi leading the charge.

Adding a player of De Bruyne’s caliber to the midfield would not only increase the team’s chances of success on the international stage but would also make a statement about the growing competitiveness of MLS.

De Bruyne’s creativity, vision, and passing ability would complement Messi’s playmaking style, creating a potentially lethal combination that could dominate the league and beyond.

However, there are challenges to making this move happen. While Inter Miami holds the discovery rights to De Bruyne, which allows them to negotiate exclusively for his services before other MLS clubs, the club still faces significant obstacles due to their already full roster of DPs.

In order to accommodate De Bruyne, Inter Miami would have to either reallocate DP slots or find ways to free up cap space using financial mechanisms like Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) and General Allocation Money (GAM).

These tools have been used by other clubs in MLS to navigate the financial restrictions and bring in high-profile talent, but it will require careful maneuvering by Inter Miami’s management team.

Another factor that could influence De Bruyne’s decision is the growing speculation surrounding Ángel Di María.

Messi has reportedly expressed interest in bringing his Argentina teammate to Inter Miami, and the potential addition of Di María could complicate De Bruyne’s move.

With Di María also in the mix, Inter Miami’s plans for roster management could shift, and the club will need to carefully balance their resources to accommodate both players.

Di María’s arrival would further solidify Inter Miami’s status as a destination for elite footballers, but it could impact the club’s ability to bring in another superstar like De Bruyne.

De Bruyne’s move to MLS would also carry significant implications for the league as a whole. Major League Soccer has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with top-tier talent like Messi, Busquets, and Alba already making their mark on the league.

De Bruyne’s potential arrival would signal that MLS is continuing to evolve into a serious destination for world-class players in the twilight of their careers.

His presence in Miami would undoubtedly boost the profile of MLS both domestically and internationally, as the league gains recognition for attracting top European talent.

For De Bruyne, the decision to leave Manchester City after such a decorated career is likely to be a difficult one.

However, the move to MLS would offer him a chance to explore a new market, experience a different footballing culture, and challenge himself in a different environment.

The partnership with Messi, already a marquee draw for the league, would make it all the more enticing for De Bruyne, who would relish the opportunity to play alongside one of the greatest players in football history.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the drama surrounding De Bruyne’s next move will likely continue to unfold. While Inter Miami remains a leading contender, the situation is far from settled.

The complexities of MLS roster rules, the potential addition of Di María, and the financial implications of De Bruyne’s salary all add layers of intrigue to the situation.

Ultimately, De Bruyne’s decision will not only impact his own future but could also reshape the landscape of Major League Soccer.

If he joins Messi at Inter Miami, it would mark a new era for the club and the league, one where global superstars continue to make their mark on American football.

Whether this move comes to fruition or not, De Bruyne’s potential switch to MLS is a story that will have football fans across the world eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his remarkable career.