Kevin De Bruyne set to 'leave Man City' in 'huge money' deal - Insider
Kevin De Bruyne has been backed to make a "huge money" move from Man City to MLS newcomers San Diego FC, who want to make a statement signing.
This is according to former Man United, Tottenham and West Ham scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Man City are prepared to let him leave next summer.
This comes following Football Insider's reveal that City are planning to hold sit-down talks about the midfielder's future in the coming weeks.
De Bruyne, 33, has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad and will be free to discuss a pre-contract deal in January ahead of a permanent move next summer.
Brown has insisted that the idea of moving to the MLS is an appealing prospect for De Bruyne given the lower intensity than he would face in Europe - similar to Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami.
The midfielder has suffered from recurring injury issues and has missed 55 games across all competitions since the start of the 2023-24 season.
As a result, City are said to be open to his potential departure amid growing interest as we approach the January transfer window.
Kevin de Bruyne to make big-money MLS move after Man City talks
Football Insider reported in September that talks with De Bruyne have been put on the back burner due to concerns about his mixed fitness record.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience working with players at the top level after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the midfielder will also have doubts about his fitness.
"Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised to see that move happen," he told Football Insider.
"From what I've heard, there are concerns at the club about his injuries, so I'd expect them to be open to him leaving when his contract runs out.
"From his point of view, I'm hearing he would be keen on the move because he'll also be aware of whether his body can take the intensity.
"He can go out there and influence games without the physical demands of the Premier League.
"It's probably a deal which would involve some huge money too, which is always a temptation.
"His time on the pitch and impact on games at City has become less and less.
"With everything equal, they would want to keep him at the club and perhaps use him in more of a rotational role, but the injuries have changed that situation.
"I think he will leave Man City, whether it's to the MLS or to Saudi Arabia, because there's plenty of interest in him and City aren't sure about his future."
In other news, City are plotting moves to sign two Bundesliga superstars.
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