The Two Current Options Facing De Bruyne

[PA Media]

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has been left with a simple choice that pits two very different options against each other.

One choice is Chicago Fire, who have offered him a competitive package. That route offers chance to be their flagship talent and at a time when the Club World Cup and World Cup are coming to the United States.

Owner Joe Mansueto has personally pitched to the Belgium international and is keen to offer the move to Major League Soccer (MLS) as a bridge to mentoring him for an entrepreneurial post-playing career in the business world.

Chicago Fire have taken Inter Miami's option to sign him on a 'discovery list', meaning no other US club can sign him without paying a fee to the Illinois club.

When De Bruyne made his farewell speech at City on Tuesday, he said his wife and sons will be considered as part of his decision-making and Chicago is seen as an attractive offer in terms of lifestyle.

That is a reason why a move to Saudi Arabia is not being explored.

On the flipside, title-chasing Serie A side Napoli are the strongest option in Europe, more so than any English club at this stage.

Managed by former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, Napoli present the best option to challenge for titles and continue playing in the Champions League, but Naples is known to be an intense environment both on and off the field.

It is a difficult choice as De Bruyne still considers capable of performing at the highest level, which is why privately there is disappointment that Manchester City never offered him a contract extension.

De Bruyne says his kids are "Manc" and described the City as "home" in his farewell speech, but that option was never on the table.

He will make his final decision after the Premier League season with City ends on Sunday so there is time for new suitors to offer him a contract.

However, time is also running out for them to enter the fray.