Inter Miami reportedly hold Kevin de Bruyne's discovery rights in MLS, opening door for possible marquee move for Manchester City legend

Inter Miami hold Kevin De Bruyne's MLS discovery rights, according to The Athletic, meaning they are free to negotiate with him on terms before any other league club. That does not, however, indicate that a deal has been made - or even will be.

De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City upon the expiration of his contract, although the Belgian midfielder would likely have to take a significant pay cut to move to the Florida club.

Realistically, it woiuld seem difficult for Miami to bring in De Bruyne without significant financial restructuring - or the former Man City legend taking an enormous pay cut. The Herons already have three designated players, individuals the league allows clubs to break the salary cap structure to sign.

That means De Bruyne would have to sign a short-term deal that lies within the league's current regulations. According to data released by the league, Miami have $3.1 million remaining this season.

A number of MLS teams would be interested in De Bruyne, of course, and Miami already have Designated Player contracts with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

The Herons would need to buy-down the contract of Alba, who makes a base salary of $1.25M, to open up a DP slot, which could then be allocated to De Bruyne. To do so, they would need to use General Allocation Money, and the budget charge itself could not be less than $150,000.

Messi and Busquets are MLS' top-earners in terms of base salaries, with the Argentine earning $12M and the Spaniard at $8.5M. If De Bruyne were to join them, he would likely command a similar salary.

De Bruyne's current salary at Man City is $26M per year. He is the highest paid player at his club, and among the best compensated athletes in Europe.

With this summer’s Club World Cup in the U.S. and both Inter Miami and Manchester City participating, De Bruyne would only be able to participate with City - though he would have to sign an extension to do so. His contract expires on June 30, midway through the tournament.

He would be ineligible to play for Inter Miami until July 24, when MLS’ secondary transfer window opens.

The Herons could potentially trade away De Bruyne's discovery rights if they deem a deal unable to be made. The Man City midfielder's contract expires at the conclusion of the 2025 Premier League season.