Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne could be heading to Major League Soccer this summer, and the Chicago Fire have emerged as the frontrunners to secure his signature. According to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, the Fire are now in pole position to land the Belgian superstar, beating out other MLS and international contenders.
Discovery Rights Shift the Landscape
Previously, De Bruyne was linked with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, which held the MLS discovery rights — a league mechanism that grants teams the first opportunity to negotiate with out-of-contract international players. However, Miami’s designated player (DP) slots are already filled by Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. With no clear path to a deal, Miami stepped aside.
Similarly, San Diego FC relinquished its discovery rights on De Bruyne due to the lack of a realistic opportunity to sign him, opting not to hold negotiations without a genuine chance. That contrasts with Marco Reus’ situation, where LA Galaxy managed to secure his signature despite a higher offer from Charlotte FC — highlighting how player intent plays a vital role in such negotiations.
Fire Face Limited Competition, but European Options Remain
De Bruyne’s availability has sparked interest across MLS, with D.C. United and NYCFC also exploring a potential deal. However, Chicago Fire now hold the priority to negotiate, and sources close to the situation suggest De Bruyne favors a move to MLS over more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.
Still, the midfielder remains open to staying in Europe, saying in April:
“I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense… I still feel like I can play at a good level.”
A Game-Changer for Chicago
If completed, the signing of Kevin De Bruyne would mark a major milestone in Chicago Fire’s attempt to return to MLS prominence. Under the direction of new head coach Gregg Berhalter, the Fire are undergoing a squad overhaul.
De Bruyne could slot in as a dynamic playmaker behind fellow Belgian Hugo Cuypers, who is currently tied for the MLS lead with seven goals. He’d join an attacking core that includes Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel, potentially making Chicago one of the most threatening offensive units in the league.
History of Big Names, Mixed Results
Chicago Fire have a track record of attracting big-name internationals — from Bastian Schweinsteiger, who helped the club reach the playoffs in 2017, to legends like Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Hristo Stoichkov. But more recently, signings like Xherdan Shaqiri have failed to meet expectations.
Currently, the Fire sit 11th in the Eastern Conference but are just four points away from a playoff position. A player of De Bruyne’s caliber could immediately elevate the team’s performance and marketability.
What’s Next?
While nothing is finalized, the Fire appear to have a clear path to complete the signing. With De Bruyne’s contract at Manchester City expiring this summer and the Belgian open to new challenges, a groundbreaking move to MLS — and Chicago — may be on the horizon.
