Kevin De Bruyne’s impending departure from Manchester City has sparked speculation about where the Belgian midfielder will land next. One potential destination is Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, owned by Lionel Messi. Miami holds De Bruyne’s “Discovery Rights,” a unique MLS system that allows teams to claim dibs on players who meet certain criteria.
Discovery rights were implemented by MLS to give smaller-market teams a chance to sign desired players and prevent bidding wars among the league’s richest clubs. Teams can place up to five players on their discovery list and must follow guidelines regarding player eligibility.
Clubs can make offers to acquire a player’s rights from another team on their discovery list, with the rights-holding club given a window to either accept the deal or make a counteroffer. If multiple clubs claim the same player, priority is given to the club with the lower points-per-game average.
However, there have been instances where clubs and player agents have skirted the rules, leading to disputes and grievances. High-profile cases include Orlando City’s pursuit of Antonio Nocerino in 2016 and Atlanta United’s negotiation with Josh Cohen in 2023.
Despite the complexities and occasional controversies surrounding discovery rights, they remain a crucial part of MLS’s player acquisition system. With Inter Miami’s star-studded roster already featuring Messi, the addition of De Bruyne would further solidify the team as a destination for global talent. As one of the few MLS clubs potentially able to afford a player of De Bruyne’s caliber, Miami presents a compelling option for the Belgian’s next career move.
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