Kevin De Bruyne and Salah take different paths
Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah entered August 2026 with different transfer paths. De Bruyne attracted reported MLS interest, while Salah moved toward a free transfer to Trabzonspor after leaving Liverpool.
Chicago Fire and San Diego FC remained linked to De Bruyne, while Inter Miami was reportedly out of the race. Salah’s Turkish move advanced beyond rumor status as Trabzonspor prepared a two-year agreement.
Kevin De Bruyne could reshape MLS
Kevin De Bruyne’s possible MLS move would carry broad importance for American soccer. His passing record, trophy history, and global profile would add another established European star to the league.
Chicago and San Diego offer different sporting settings for the Belgian midfielder. Both clubs can present prominent roles, but any agreement would depend on Napoli, salary structure, roster space, and De Bruyne’s decision.
Mohamed Salah nears a Türkiye move
Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor would reshape Turkish soccer if completed. Reports said the forward traveled to Türkiye as the club moved closer to completing his signing after opening official negotiations.
Salah would arrive after nine seasons with Liverpool, where he became the club’s leading Premier League scorer. His record includes 257 goals in 442 appearances and several major domestic and European honors.
Inter Miami exits De Bruyne race
Inter Miami was linked with Kevin De Bruyne earlier in the rumor cycle, but later reports ruled the club out. Miami had not opened talks and did not plan a move during this window.
That update changed the comparison because a partnership with Lionel Messi was no longer the leading scenario. Chicago Fire and San Diego FC instead became the main MLS clubs connected with De Bruyne.
Chicago Fire revives an old link
Chicago Fire has explored a De Bruyne move before. The club held discussions in 2025 about a Designated Player contract, but the midfielder chose Napoli after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer.
That earlier contact gives Chicago a clear history with the player and his representatives. A renewed pursuit would still require Napoli’s agreement, as De Bruyne remains under contract through June 2027.
San Diego FC offers strong support
San Diego FC also presents a credible destination after a record-setting debut season. The club earned 63 points and 19 wins in 2025 under coach Mikey Varas, setting new MLS expansion marks.
Anders Dreyer supplied 19 goals and 19 assists during that campaign. His production gives San Diego an established attacking centerpiece who could combine with De Bruyne if the club completes a deal.
MLS rules shape any De Bruyne deal
Major League Soccer roster rules would shape any De Bruyne agreement. Clubs may use up to three Designated Player slots, depending on the roster construction model selected before the season.
The 2026 senior roster salary budget is $6.425 million, while a veteran Designated Player carries an $803,125 budget charge. Clubs pay compensation above that amount outside the standard salary budget.
Kevin De Bruyne brings major honors
Kevin De Bruyne would bring one of Europe’s strongest modern résumés to MLS. He completed his Manchester City career with 422 appearances, 108 goals, 170 assists, and 19 major trophies.
Napoli signed him as a free agent in June 2025 after Manchester City allowed his contract to expire. His first Italian season was limited by physical problems.
Beşiktaş talks cleared Salah’s path
Mohamed Salah’s Trabzonspor move followed unsuccessful talks with Beşiktaş earlier in the summer. Reports said those negotiations slowed once financial terms became central, and the Istanbul club later ended its pursuit.
Trabzonspor then advanced discussions and prepared a two-year agreement for the forward. The move would place Salah in Türkiye’s top division after his Liverpool career ended following the 2025 to 2026 season.
Mohamed Salah adds proven success
Salah’s arrival would give Trabzonspor one of the most accomplished forwards in its history. He won two Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and four Premier League Golden Boots.
His signing would also raise the club’s profile beyond Türkiye. Trabzonspor finished third in the previous league season and entered the new campaign with European competition included on its schedule.
The two rumors reached different stages
The De Bruyne rumor centers on league development, roster strategy, and a possible late-career move. MLS would gain another decorated creator, but no agreement with Chicago or San Diego had been announced.
The Salah story reached a more advanced stage because Trabzonspor publicly prepared for his arrival. That difference makes his Turkish move more immediate, while De Bruyne’s American future remains unsettled.
Each player offers a different impact
De Bruyne would likely influence MLS through creativity and midfield control. His Manchester City record shows sustained production across domestic and European competition, giving any American club a proven organizer.
Salah would influence Turkish soccer through scoring, visibility, and championship experience. His Liverpool totals and individual awards give Trabzonspor a player with a larger recent scoring record than most league arrivals.
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Salah moves closer than De Bruyne
The two situations would affect different markets rather than produce a single clear winner. De Bruyne would strengthen MLS’s credibility, while Salah would give Trabzonspor a rare global name as it enters Türkiye.
As of August 2026, Salah’s Trabzonspor path was closer to completion than De Bruyne’s MLS options. Chicago and San Diego remained interested, but Napoli and roster requirements still shaped any possible move.
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Which move would have the greater impact on soccer: Kevin De Bruyne joining MLS or Mohamed Salah moving to Türkiye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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