KEVIN DE BRUYNE is tipped to join a club that’s never even played a game before.
Manchester City’s six-time Premier League winner is reportedly “closer than ever” to signing for MLS newcomers San Diego.
The legendary Belgian playmaker, 33, is said to be “not worried” if City decline to offer him a contract beyond his deal ending this summer.
It’s also understood KDB would prefer a lucrative move Stateside to the Saudi Pro League.
Now The Athletic say San Diego are in the driving force to capture one of the all-time great Premier League stylists.
Ironically it comes after De Bruyne regained his starting place for Pep Guardiola’s side.
He notched an assist in skippering City to a 4-1 home Prem win over West Ham last Saturday – playing the whole match.
But although he has previously appeared sceptical over moving outside Europe, it seems he’s changed his mind.
De Bruyne told Belgian outlet HLN last summer that “at my age, you have to be open to everything”.
And when asked about joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in Saudi Arabia, he added: “You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the last stage of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.”
However, the Athletic claim KD and San Diego “have been circling each other for months” – with a deal “closer than ever”.
The club will enter the Western Conference of the MLS this year.
San Diego’s first match will be against reigning defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on February 23.
Then comes their initial home game a week later, with St Louis City visiting Snapdragon Stadium on March 1.
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