According to a recent report by The Athletic, the Chicago Fire are now considered the leading candidates to sign Kevin De Bruyne this summer. The Manchester City legend`s contract is set to expire, making him a free agent.
The Chicago Fire, under the guidance of head coach and general manager Gregg Berhalter, have shown notable improvement and are reportedly seeking a high-profile acquisition, having previously been linked with Neymar. De Bruyne, a critical figure in City`s numerous successes, is a highly sought-after player worldwide as his time with the English club appears to be ending.
Although De Bruyne was initially linked with San Diego FC, his discovery rights within Major League Soccer were subsequently acquired by Inter Miami. However, Inter Miami`s roster limitations regarding designated players make a potential move there difficult.
This situation has reportedly granted the Chicago Fire priority in negotiating terms with the Belgian midfielder. Other MLS clubs, including D.C. United and New York City FC, have also registered interest, though D.C. United might be prioritizing a move for Paul Pogba at this time.
While discovery rights give the Fire an exclusive window to negotiate within MLS, they do not guarantee De Bruyne will ultimately join the league. Teams from Saudi Arabia are also said to be keen, and there remains a possibility that he could opt to stay in the Premier League or move to another European club.
Currently positioned 11th in the Eastern Conference, the Fire are just two points away from securing a playoff spot. Their star striker, Hugo Cuypers, is performing well, leading the MLS Golden Boot race with seven goals in his first 10 matches. The team is seen as being on an upward trajectory under Berhalter, and adding a player of De Bruyne`s caliber would significantly enhance their prospects for MLS Cup contention.
