Kevin De Bruyne‘s departure from Manchester City is all but confirmed, and speculation about his future is in full swing. One of the most intriguing developments comes from the Chicago Fire, an MLS team determined to shake up the league’s status quo. Their ambition aligns with MLS’s growing reputation as a viable destination for top players approaching the next phase of their careers.
“Kevin De Bruyne will assess all options in the next days and week, but Chicago Fire are now showing strong interest,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed. At 33, De Bruyne is still regarded as one of the finest midfielders on the planet. He’s set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, and his next stop could reshape both his own legacy and MLS’s global standing.
An audacious approach from the Windy City
Chicago Fire’s pursuit isn’t without hurdles. Inter Miami hold his MLS discovery rights, so they’d need to strike a deal before formal negotiations happen. Complicating matters further, clubs in Saudi Arabia are reportedly willing to pay well above market rates, and leading European sides remain interested. City, meanwhile, are rumored to be eyeing younger talents to replace De Bruyne, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who’s valued at about $165 million.
Yet MLS remains an appealing option for a player who’s eyeing the 2026 World Cup. While some question whether a move stateside might reduce his competitive edge, others argue that the league’s physical style could still keep De Bruyne sharp. A top-level midfielder in Chicago would not only elevate the Fire’s fortunes but also add another marquee attraction to the league.
Pep Guardiola has hinted that replacing De Bruyne’s creativity won’t be easy. The Belgian leaves England with multiple league titles, domestic cups, and a Champions League triumph. His time in Manchester made him one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.
For now, Chicago Fire’s pitch is on the table, and De Bruyne is taking everything under advisement. Whether he chooses MLS, stays in Europe, or opts for an entirely new adventure in Saudi, he’ll enter the next chapter of his career with a legacy firmly intact.
