Is Chicago Fire Set to Sign Man City’s De Bruyne?
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Synopsis
Chicago Fire FC is leading the race to sign Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, as they negotiate a potential deal. With Inter Miami unable to pursue him, Chicago emerges as a prime candidate for the star midfielder's MLS debut. Will De Bruyne make the leap to the U.S. soccer scene?
Key Takeaways
- Chicago Fire FC is in negotiations with Kevin De Bruyne.
- De Bruyne's current contract with Manchester City expires soon.
- Inter Miami's designated slots are filled, opening the door for Chicago.
- Other MLS teams have shown interest, but Chicago is a strong contender.
- De Bruyne has left the possibility of a European stay open.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) Chicago Fire FC is currently in negotiations with Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne regarding a designated player agreement, positioning themselves as the leading candidate to acquire the Belgian midfielder if he opts to transition to Major League Soccer.
At 33, De Bruyne has declared his intention to depart from Manchester City at the conclusion of this season as his contract expires. He has been instrumental for the team since his arrival in 2015, playing a vital role in securing four consecutive Premier League championships.
While Inter Miami CF holds De Bruyne’s MLS discovery rights, their capacity to pursue him is limited since they have already filled their designated player slots with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi, all set to become free agents at the season's end. This situation potentially opens the door for Chicago.
New York City FC and D.C. United are also rumored to be interested, but Chicago, with only two designated players on their roster and a driven owner in Joe Mansueto, stands out as a prime destination if De Bruyne decides to join MLS, according to reports from ESPN.
The Athletic first reported that Chicago Fire is leading the charge to secure De Bruyne's services.
De Bruyne might also consider staying in Europe. When questioned about his future after a victory over Crystal Palace on April 12, he kept his options open.
"I'm willing to consider any project that comes my way. I love football and if a promising opportunity arises and my family is onboard, we can make a decision," De Bruyne stated.
Chicago's head coach Gregg Berhalter, while not specifically mentioning De Bruyne, emphasized the need for a creative attacking option to support current forwards Hugo Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba.
"Ideally, you'd want to strengthen every position with world-class talent, but the reality is different," said Berhalter, the former USMNT coach. "With a salary cap and a limit on designated players, it's crucial to bring in someone who can consistently influence the attack and collaborate with our existing offensive talents to enhance their performance and benefit the team overall, both on and off the pitch."
Point of View
It’s imperative to provide an unbiased perspective on the potential transition of Kevin De Bruyne to the MLS. This development not only highlights the increasing appeal of Major League Soccer but also showcases the dynamic nature of player movements in global football, emphasizing the strategic decisions clubs must make within their financial constraints.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of De Bruyne's contract?
Kevin De Bruyne's contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the season, prompting discussions about his future.
Which MLS teams are interested in De Bruyne?
Besides Chicago Fire FC, teams like New York City FC and D.C. United have shown interest in acquiring De Bruyne's services.
Why is Chicago Fire considered a frontrunner?
Chicago Fire FC is seen as a frontrunner due to having only two designated players on their roster and a proactive ownership, making them a prime candidate for De Bruyne.
Could De Bruyne stay in Europe?
Yes, De Bruyne has indicated he may consider staying in Europe, depending on the projects available to him.
What role does the salary cap play in MLS transfers?
The salary cap in MLS limits how much teams can spend on player salaries, influencing their ability to sign high-profile players like De Bruyne.
