Kevin De Bruyne: Stefan Borson drops ‘definite’ claim after Man City exit talks
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne won’t be offered £20million a year to join San Diego FC after opening talks with the club.
That is the view of former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider it’s going to be “very hard” for the Belgium international to receive the same terms as his current salary due to his injury record.
GiveMeSport reported on 25 October De Bruyne has held preliminary talks with MLS expansion franchise San Diego FC over a switch to North America.
The 33-year-old has also been widely linked with Saudi Pro League clubs.
De Bruyne is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in June 2025 but has refused to be drawn on his future, with his current deal worth £400,000 a week or £20.8million a year.
The attacking midfielder returned to Man City’s squad for the game against Bournemouth on Saturday after missing the past six weeks with a thigh injury, but he was an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat.
Man City star Kevin De Bruyne interested in joining San Diego FC
Borson admitted De Bruyne is clearly interested in making the move to the US after opening talks with San Diego FC.
“There is a definite issue there,” Borson told Football Insider.
“We know he hasn’t been playing. That in itself tells you that there is a longer-term problem with his injury record and with his fitness.
“In terms of San Diego, the one thing you get with MLS teams are their wages because they are all published.
“Even Messi doesn’t get £20million, so there really is no potential for San Diego to be paying £20million per annum.
“Messi gets $20million (£15.5million), according to the official salary list, so De Bruyne is not getting £20million if he goes.
“I think he’s clearly interested in going to the US.
“I think it’s one of these tricky situations where he’s coming into a negotiation about potentially extending at City, but he’s not fit.
“If you’re not fit, it’s going to be very hard to ask for the sort of money De Bruyne is paid at the moment and wants going forward, especially when you have potential interest from the US and obviously Saudi.”
In other news, Man City working on deal to sign Kyle Walker replacement.
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