Kevin De Bruyne's next club: Inter Miami, Al-Nassr & nine potential free transfer destinations as Belgian dynamo confirms imminent Man City exit

According to The Athletic, De Bruyne has always considered finishing his career in MLS, and it's said he would potentially prefer that over a touted move to Saudi Arabia for himself and his family, even if the money is worse.

The Belgian could be given a smooth pathway to the States by staying within the City Football Group, having been offered the chance to join one of Man City's sister clubs. A move to the Big Apple to join New York City FC could therefore fit the bill.

Of course, with MLS touted as a potential destination and the player open to a switch stateside, there have been inevitable links to David Beckham's Inter Miami for a mouth-watering link-up with the GOAT Lionel Messi in Florida.

The problem is the attacking midfielder would almost certainly take up one of the Herons' Designated Player (DP) slots for big-money stars exempt from the league's salary cap, currently occupied by Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Something would have to give.

Or how about rivalling Messi in MLS and becoming the face of its newest franchise? San Diego FC, who are debuting in MLS in 2025, reportedly made a proposal to De Bruyne to become their poster boy in late 2024.

The club's sporting director, Tyler Heaps, has even admitted he has held talks over the player, but it would be a tough deal to pull off. "I talked to the agent," he said. "I’ve had conversations with him, but I’ll tell you what, those wages won’t fit our budget at the moment in terms of what his expectations are."

All of that said, Saudi Arabia certainly hasn't been ruled out as a potential destination, and the latest reports seems to suggest De Bruyne could be keen to disrupt the established order in the Gulf state.

The Belgian is said to have held talks with second-tier side Neom SC, who are set to be promoted to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season. He is supposedly open to the switch, and could therefore link up with ex-Premier League man Said Benrahma.

Of course, De Bruyne has also been linked with Saudi Arabia's biggest hitters, all owned by the Private Investment Fund (PIF), which means there has been inevitable talk of a move to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

CR7 is reportedly using his significant influence to lobby the cub to move for the soon-to-be free agent, and back in October it was claimed they were even 'confident' of landing him on a mammoth contract.

It would be little surprise if PIF-owned Al-Ittihad re-entered the picture, too, having come close to signing the Belgian last summer when he was still considered to be at the peak of his powers.

Ultimately, Man City's £50 million ($64m) price tag put paid to the deal despite personal terms being agreed, but that would obviously no longer be an obstacle as the midfielder prepares to become a free agent at the end of June.

Argentine giants River Plate are said to be in the running to sign De Bruyne, although their name only seems to be in the ring after their ex-striker Carlos Morete urged the club to sign the attacking midfielder.

"River has a manager and brains," he said. "He's [De Bruyne] 33 years old. You pay him $20 million, he's free, and you see if you bring him in or not. He'll make you a champion, make you fight for championships, and solve all your problems. Go check out his physical condition. He's a real star, and he's not that old. Make him an offer."

Could we be about to witness a De Bruyne reunion with Jose Mourinho? It was reported at the turn of the year that the Turkish giants were ready to offer the 33-year-old a contract worth £250,000 per week post tax.

There will be question marks over his relationship with the revered Portuguese manager after he failed to make the grade under his tutelage at Chelsea in 2014. For what it's worth, De Bruyne has insisted he doesn't "hate" Mourinho - despite barely talking to him - and the coach claims he wanted the player to stay.

Or could De Bruyne line up against Mourinho for one of Fener's biggest rivals? That could be what transpires as their fierce Istanbul foes Galatasaray are among those credited with an interest in the Belgium captain.

Gala would be able to offer Champions League football, if he desires it, as well as a significant wage - although as yet there is no suggestion that the veteran is open to a move to Turkey amid some stiff competition.