Chicago Fire emerged as an unexpected favorite so sign Manchester City’s star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The MLS side is already discussing a Designated Player contract with De Bruyne and Fire is believed to be his first choice if he decides to take his talents to the United States according to Paul Tenorio of The Athletic.
De Bruyne is out of contract with Man City this summer and has already announced that he will leave the club. There is significant interest in his services in Europe, including the Premier League, but Fire is feeling optimistic about their chances at the time. De Bruyne will also have suitors in Saudi Arabia but the player would prefer to move to MLS.
Inter Miami currently holds De Bruyne’s discovery rights, which give them exclusive negotiation rights. The two sides briefly discussed a potential deal but it remains unlikely at the time considering Miami has all of its DP slots filled out.
Several other MLS sides have an interest in De Bruyne, including D.C. United and New York City FC, but Tenorio reports that Fire currently has a priority.
After missing a good chunk of 2023-24 due to a hamstring injury, Kevin De Bruyne was slow to return to form this season. He has six goals and eight assists in 36 games he played in all competitions.
