Betting on Kevin De Bruyne's next club: MLS, Saudi Arabia or Bayern Munich?

New York Times

10-04-2025

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Undoubtedly, Kevin De Bruyne will be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders to grace the Premier League. The 33-year-old will leave Manchester City at the end of the season with six league titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League title in his brimming trophy cabinet.
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De Bruyne didn't just play the game; he orchestrated it. But even the finest symphonies eventually reach their final note. After a season disrupted by injuries and fewer starts, the writing was on the wall. Now, the spotlight shifts to the handful of clubs vying to snap up the Belgian maestro.
From bookmaker favourites to compelling wildcards, here are the most likely — and most intriguing — destinations for the next phase of De Bruyne's career.
The bet: Any MLS club at 17/20
MLS has traditionally been a popular destination for ageing European stars winding down their careers. Gareth Bale, Sergio Busquets and David Beckham have all made the leap. Could De Bruyne be next?
For a while, expansion side San Diego were in the frame, but thanks to the league's discovery process, the focus has shifted to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. The Florida club hold De Bruyne's MLS discovery rights, potentially giving them 'first dibs' on negotiations. Should Javier Mascherano be able to broker that deal, a pairing of Messi and De Bruyne would be a mouthwatering combination.
There is, however, a glaring tactical puzzle for Miami's coaching staff to consider. Both playmakers thrive on dictating tempo, drifting deep to pick up the ball and threading pinpoint passes. Can two conductors lead the same ensemble?
New York City offer a compelling alternative. As a fellow City Football Group club, the cultural connection is already there. And from an MLS perspective, landing a star of De Bruyne's calibre would be a marketing dream. The catch? De Bruyne has never seemed the type to chase the spotlight or serve as a league ambassador. Still, a move stateside remains firmly on the table — at 17/20 odds, the bookmakers clearly think it's more than just a fantasy.
The bet: Any Saudi Pro League club at 6/4
In June 2024, De Bruyne said he was 'open' to a move to Saudi Arabia — a path already taken by former City teammates Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte. The Saudi Pro League has lured its fair share of elite European talent in recent years, including stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N'Golo Kanté. As a result, the list of world-class professionals now residing in the Middle East continues to grow, along with their bank accounts.
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So, would De Bruyne follow suit?
The bookmakers suggest there's genuine interest, but it's not a straightforward decision. A move to Saudi Arabia comes with political complexities and lingering stigmas. Recall Jordan Henderson's transfer from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq; the 34-year-old received intense backlash, tarnishing his reputation. De Bruyne, who has maintained a largely pristine public image, will likely consider this carefully.
While the financial incentives are substantial, this isn't just a footballing decision — it's a legacy one.
The bet: Bayern Munich at 9/1
Around the same time De Bruyne confirmed his City exit, news broke that another modern great, Thomas Müller, would be leaving Bayern Munich. Müller, a one-club legend, departs after helping the German giants to 12 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues since he joined the senior team in 2008. If Bayern are looking to replace his experience and leadership in the centre of the pitch with another proven veteran, De Bruyne could fit the bill.
This move makes sense for several reasons. De Bruyne has Bundesliga roots from his time with Wolfsburg, and Bayern are now managed by Vincent Kompany, his former City teammate and Belgian compatriot.
Additionally, if De Bruyne wants to remain in Europe, his options are limited. He's unlikely to join a Premier League rival and would still want to play at a high level. Bayern, offering Champions League contention, is a logical next step.
Securing De Bruyne's signature is a high priority for the handful of clubs capable of affording his price tag. But, while the bookmakers have highlighted their favourites, there are also a few plausible wildcard options to consider.
Fenerbahce at 33/1 might initially raise eyebrows, but the connection becomes clearer upon closer inspection. De Bruyne had a brief stint under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, and a reunion with the legendary manager isn't entirely out of the question.
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There's also the possibility of a sentimental return to Belgium. De Bruyne came through the youth academy at Genk between 2005 and 2008, which has sparked speculation about a potential homecoming.
And then there's Wolfsburg, where De Bruyne truly made his name in the Bundesliga. The German club reacted to his departure announcement on X with this cheeky response:
Dear Kevin, do you remember? You and I ten years ago? How about the two of us again? https://t.co/Q9mzOXI4MW
— VfL Wolfsburg (@VfL_Wolfsburg) April 4, 2025
Click here for more of the latest odds on De Bruyne's next destination with Betfair.
Betfair's spokesperson Sam Rosbottom also weighed in on some of the potential clubs that might succeed in getting De Bruyne to put pen to paper.
'Following the trend of recent years,' Rosbottom told reporters, 'Saudi Arabia is a likely destination and a move.'
Rosbottom has also not ruled out a Belgian reunion at Bayern: 'A move to join his former City and Belgium teammate at Bayern is his third most likely option.'
Genk and Fenerbahce are long shots but the odds still hold some appeal.
'A romantic return to first club Genk could also be on the cards [with a price of 50/1 for this to materialise] in the coming months,' Rosbottom said. 'Having played under Jose Mourinho at the start of his career, he could go full circle and reunite with 'The Special One', with a move to Fenerbahce.'
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(Photo of Kevin De Bruyne: Matt McNulty / Getty Images)