New Favourite Revealed in Race to Sign Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne scored Manchester City's winner against Wolves on Friday night / James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

New Favourite Revealed in Race to Sign Kevin De Bruyne

MLS Side Chicago Fire Now Leading the Chase for Man City Legend

As the curtain gradually begins to fall on the 2024/25 season, one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen is preparing for a new chapter. Kevin De Bruyne, the elegant orchestrator who has been Manchester City’s heartbeat for nearly a decade, is set to leave the Etihad this summer — and it appears that his next destination might not be Europe or the cash-rich pitches of Saudi Arabia, but rather Major League Soccer.

According to multiple reliable sources, MLS franchise Chicago Fire have emerged as the new favourite in the race to sign Kevin De Bruyne, with negotiations progressing steadily. The Belgian maestro is out of contract in June and has already informed the Manchester City hierarchy that he won’t be renewing terms, opening the door for a summer departure as a free agent.

A New Adventure Beckons for a Premier League Great

De Bruyne's goal against Wolves could be crucial / Stu Forster/Getty Images

De Bruyne’s goal against Wolves could be crucial / Stu Forster/Getty Images

De Bruyne’s name is already etched into English football history. Since joining City in 2015, he’s racked up countless assists, broken records, lifted every domestic trophy available, and earned admiration for his intelligence, creativity, and leadership on the pitch. But with age and injuries finally beginning to take a toll, the time has come for the 33-year-old to explore new terrain.

While there was interest from Europe and a lucrative proposal from the Saudi Pro League, reports indicate Kevin De Bruyne has his heart set on the United States. It’s not about money at this stage — it’s about legacy, lifestyle, and writing a final chapter that balances performance with a touch of peace.

Why Chicago Fire?

So why Chicago, of all places? After all, David Beckham’s Inter Miami would seem the sexier choice on paper. With Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba already in pink, the appeal is obvious. But that’s exactly the problem — Miami’s designated player (DP) slots are full. And Kevin De Bruyne isn’t coming to be anyone’s rotation option.

Chicago Fire, on the other hand, are rebuilding. Under the guidance of former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, the franchise is desperate to turn a new page after years of underachievement. The Fire have reached the playoffs just once in the last 12 seasons — a dismal record for a club with their history and market size.

De Bruyne would arrive as the face of the project, the central figure around whom the entire team could be constructed. That kind of responsibility appeals to him, according to those close to the player. He’s not just looking to wind down; he wants to make an impact, just in a new context.

MLS Over Money: A Statement Move

It would’ve been easy for Kevin De Bruyne to follow the well-trodden path to Saudi Arabia. The money on offer is astronomical, and many of his contemporaries — Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Neymar — have opted for the Saudi route. But sources say Kevin De Bruyne was never sold on the idea.

He’s spoken privately about the appeal of the American lifestyle for his family, the marketing and branding potential in the U.S., and his desire to remain part of a competitive football environment without the intense physical demands of the Premier League.

It’s a move that echoes those made by global icons like Thierry Henry and David Beckham — not just a transfer, but a strategic pivot toward life after football.

Guardiola’s Farewell Praise

De Bruyne may have missed large parts of the 2023/24 campaign due to hamstring injuries — including surgery early in the season — but when he played, he reminded everyone just how irreplaceable he is. Just last Friday, he netted the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Wolves, a result that kept City in the hunt for a top-five finish.

His manager, Pep Guardiola, made no secret of what the Belgian has meant to the club over the years.

“His contribution in the game against Crystal Palace when we were 2-0 down and he delivers, and today the goal again,” Guardiola told reporters. “I am happy that it is finishing that way, and we have one more game in the Etihad.

“I want the best for Kevin. It’s almost impossible to replace this kind of player. Not just the performances, but what he’s meant to the heart of our fans for many years. The success we have belongs to the players.”

Those words underline what everyone already knew — Kevin De Bruyne isn’t just a player; he’s a symbol. A symbol of excellence, of Manchester City’s golden era, and of what happens when talent and hard work intersect over time.

A Glorious Goodbye?

City still have the FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace to come, and there’s a growing feeling that Kevin De Bruyne will get one last chance to lift silverware in sky blue. It would be a fitting end for a player who has so often delivered in decisive moments.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the final at Wembley could provide the emotional send-off he deserves — a rare opportunity in modern football where legends often slip away quietly.

What Lies Ahead in Chicago?

Should the move to Chicago Fire materialise, expect the MLS to roll out the red carpet. The league has grown dramatically in quality, infrastructure, and global appeal, but it still thrives on big names who can push its profile even higher. Kevin De Bruyne would be just that — a signing on par with Messi in terms of footballing pedigree.

He’d also reunite with several familiar faces. Former teammates and rivals alike now ply their trade across North America, and the pace of play might offer him a longer shelf life than Europe ever could.

Expect Kevin De Bruyne to be used centrally — a quarterback-style midfielder dictating tempo, spraying passes, and occasionally arriving in the box to remind everyone of his golden touch.

Final Thoughts: A Modern Great on a New Stage

If the reports hold true and Chicago Fire win the race for Kevin De Bruyne, it will be a watershed moment not just for the club, but for MLS as a whole.

It’s not just about bringing in a name. It’s about bringing in someone who still has the passion to compete, the quality to influence, and the character to lead.

Kevin De Bruyne might be leaving Europe behind, but make no mistake — he’s not done yet. The next chapter is just beginning, and if you’re a football romantic, you’ll be watching every pass, every assist, and every moment from the Windy City with joy.

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