MLS
MLS newcomers San Diego FC “closer than ever” to signing Man City star
San Diego, who are set to make their MLS debut next month, are said to be closing in on a deal for a Premier League great.
With a little over six weeks to go until the expansion franchise makes its MLS debut, San Diego FC are reportedly nearing a deal to sign one of the greatest players ever to grace the English Premier League.
San Diego eyeing move for Man City legend
According to The Athletic, San Diego are “closer than ever” to reaching an agreement with Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne, who is heading into the final months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne has been a long-term prime target for the Californians, as they prepare to become the 30th franchise in the MLS.
And with the Belgian’s contract at City due to expire at the end of June, San Diego appear well placed to take the 33-year-old to the US once he becomes a free agent.
San Diego have not filled all of the ‘designated player’ spots in their squad, giving them greater financial room for maneuver when it comes to agreeing terms with the six-time Premier League champion and 2023 Champions League winner.
What is a ‘designated player’ in MLS?
Also known as the ‘Beckham Rule’, the ‘designated player’ system allows MLS clubs to have up to three players in their squad on wages that exceed the salary cap imposed by the league.
The rule was introduced in 2007, with current Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham becoming MLS’s first designated player when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy that year.
De Bruyne becomes PL great in trophy-laden City stay
Capped 107 times by Belgium, De Bruyne has scored 104 goals and supplied 172 assists in 400 appearances for City, since joining the Manchester club from VfL Wolfsburg in summer 2015.
In addition to six Premier League titles and one Champions League, he has helped City to two FA Cups and five EFL Cups.
When do San Diego play their first MLS game?
Ahead of their MLS bow next month, San Diego have compiled a roster that includes Mexican international Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano, Colombia Under-20 cap Tomás Ángel and Northern Ireland’s Paddy McNair, with former USMNT and FC Dallas assistant Mikey Varas hired as head coach.
San Diego, who will compete in MLS’s Western Conference, play their first league game on Sunday, February 23, when they visit defending champions Los Angeles Galaxy. The clash at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.