GOAL US writers debate De Bruyne's reported move to Napoli after repeated MLS links, and where the league goes from here

So, the Kevin De Bruyne dream ends before it ever really began. The Belgian midfielder, we were told, was destined to play in MLS after Man City elected not to renew his contract. In the few days after, Chicago, Inter Miami and a litany of other sides from America's top flight were linked with his signing. MLS was getting a new star.

Meanwhile, De Bruyne didn't say a word about his future home, and repeatedly pointed out that he was both surprised and unhappy that Man City didn't offer him a new deal. It all sounded like someone with something to prove – and who still wants to play at a high level (with all due respect to MLS).

And so it has passed, with De Bruyne reportedly moving closer to signing for reigning Serie A champions Napoli. It would be a real coup for the Italian side, who seem to have set themselves up nicely to defend their crown. Yet, simultaneously, it seems a loss for MLS, who were perhaps counting on De Bruyne to be their next needle-moving signing.

But how big of a loss is it for the league? Would De Bruyne have made a major impact? And with the Belgian seemingly off the table, who's next for the league in their pursuit of foreign stars?

GOAL US writers debate De Bruyne's apparent decision and where the league goes from here in the latest edition of… The Rondo.

ImagnWhat's the impact for MLS if De Bruyne signs with Napoli?

Tom Hindle: Honestly? Snooze. De Bruyne still wants to play at a high level. Serie A can offer that. MLS cannot. Do Chicago miss out on a few shirts to sell? Sure. But this isn't an indictment on American soccer. Serie A is better, and Napoli just won the bloody title. End of.

Jacob Schneider: On one hand, it's a blow for Chicago, but on the other, it gives them room to grow the more important areas of the squad – particularly their defense and at the No. 6 position. Gregg Berhalter's men could have absolutely used KDB, and he would have been remarkable, but the No. 10 spot isn't a pressing need. For MLS, sure, bummer. You still have Messi though, and that's all that really matters – for now.

Ryan Tolmich: It's unfortunate. De Bruyne would have been a fun addition to MLS, but isn't on the same name-level as David Beckham or Messi. His signing would have made waves, for sure, but it wouldn't have been a game-changer – nor would it have really changed any of the haters' perspective of MLS being a "retirement league." As for the Napoli factor, you can certainly understand why De Bruyne would take that option given their Serie A heroics and, in general, the league's style of play. Overall, it makes sense for him, even if it's a loss for fans in the U.S.

Alex Labidou: To be honest, a move was never going to have the same marketing impact for MLS as as Messi, Beckham, or Zlatan – nor the on-field influence of players such as Thierry Henry or David Villa. Outside of boosting attendance in a local market, it’s hard to see how De Bruyne would offer more long-term value to an MLS team than, say, signing a young South American player with resale potential. That said, MLS still needs stars to help grow its audience, especially with the Apple TV streaming deal. This seems a missed opportunity on that front.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBoth Neymar and KDB bypassed MLS – what does that say about the league’s appeal to stars?

TH: Not much, considering both of them felt they had more football to play at a higher level. Look, if Inter Miami could afford Neymar, he would have gone to play with his mates. They couldn't, so he went for the wholesome Santos reunion. If he was a couple years older, and had no Brazilian offers on the table, then you'd be in trouble. As for De Bruyne, word is Man City refused to offer him a new deal, not the other way round. He's hurt and angry, he has a point to prove. Not sure Chicago is the way to go to show the world you've still got it.

JS: It's not particularly a snub. It's a World Cup year, and the Fire have been irrelevant for far too long. KDB wants to play top-tier football ahead of the World Cup, and his choice was a potentially a playoff competitor in MLS or the reigning champions of Italy. Money aside, it's a no-brainer.

RT: No change, really. You can't get them all, and MLS has won a decent number of star-related battles over the last few decades. Both are players nearing the end, and the real next frontier is MLS convincing stars to come to MLS before they reach that point. MLS will always be a nice late-career landing spot, as it would have been for Neymar, De Bruyne or whoever the next big star linked is. The big change doesn't come with their signings this summer, but rather the signing of Santos-era Neymar or Wolfsburg-era De Bruyne, instead.

AL: It shows that if you're player who believes you can still dominate in Europe, you will probably stay. De Bruyne wants to prove he's still got it the 2026 World Cup likely played into his thinking. It's a harsh reality for MLS, which wants to be ambitious, but that's where it is right now.

Getty ImagesWho's the next star you like to see in MLS?

TH: "Star" is such a broad word in this sense. For the vibes, let's say Luka Modric, who could dance around midfielders for fun. Wouldn't mind seeing a certain Portuguese Ballon d'Or winner there, as well.. And for the 10-billionth time, no, a prime Christian Pulisic isn't going to play in MLS.

JS: Antoine Griezmann in MLS really would be blockbuster, but that move seemingly looks to be delayed, at best. Somebody such as Alex Lacazette makes a lot of sense this summer, while a player with flair such as Adama Traore would be a joy to watch in the league, too.

RT: Paul Pogba, step right up! If we're going for a big name here, Pogba is one that makes plenty of sense given his age, experience and personality. He'll also be extremely motivated, following his long-term suspension, which means American soccer could see a pretty damn good version of him if he did arrive. Additionally, the French star is always a lightning rod for headlines, justified or not, which would certainly add more eyeballs to the league. Compared to other players linked, such as De Bruyne or Thomas Muller, Pogba is a different sort of character, which makes him the most intriguing of those older European stars who could join the league.

AL: Pulisic is likely the only realistic player MLS can add that will draw some of the interest Messi did when he arrived. Bringing the American, still in his prime, would be huge for the league. The move is realistic because there are questions about his contract, as he's not yet signed an extension with Milan. Imagine the headlines if Pulisic turned down the Rossoneri for Inter Miami or LAFC, for example? There aren't enough established American stars in MLS who are household names, at least not since Landon Donovan or Tim Howard. Bringing Pulisic home would be even more significant than Donovan because of what he's accomplished. Get it done, MLS.

Getty Images SportDid Messi and Inter Miami’s struggles factor into KDB's decision?

TH: Zero chance. De Bruyne can probably name five MLS teams – and three of them wanted to sign him. He's probably wondering why St. Louis didn't get relegated last year.

JS: Not much. It comes down to this being a World Cup year – players want to be in peak form, playing at the highest level. It makes sense he stays in Europe as a result.

RT: Realistically, on-field performance is pretty low down on the checklist for any players looking to sign in MLS. Most are looking for a good lifestyle, a nice city and a whole lot of money, and Miami provides those about as well as anyone in the world can. If anything, it's attractive to come in and be the missing piece to help Messi to glory so, no, their play probably has little to do with any potential signings' decision-making process.

AL: Every time Inter Miami lose, the headline is about Messi – fair or not. There are some who are used to the spotlight, and some who prefer to operate as one-of-many as opposed to the few. Wherever De Bruyne lands, there will be outsized expectations for a player who has been past his best for the last two seasons. He's not a goalscorer and not particularly flashy. Pressure to be THE guy as opposed to A guy might have played a role here.