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A top MLS club’s head coach, while not naming De Bruyne specifically, also subliminally hinted at the need for an ‘attacking player’ in their ranks.
Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City (X)
Time for Kevin De Bruyne to live the American Dream? Well, it seems likely, as recent reports state that Chicago Fire FC are in active discussions with the Manchester City star to finalise a move to the MLS, should he choose to do so.
De Bruyne, 33, recently announced his decision to leave Manchester City at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract.
The midfield maestro De Bruyne himself recently confirmed that he’d be leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of his current deal, after Guardiola decided not to offer him a new deal.
Having been hampered by a series of debilitating injuries over the last two years, De Bruyne’s role in City has diminished over time.
And now, it seems as if the herd is flocking to acquire the services of the Belgian, with Chicago Fire seemingly leading the charge, according to reports from The Athletic.
Although Inter Miami CF currently holds De Bruyne’s MLS discovery rights – a rule that gives them the right of first refusal – they are unlikely to pursue him due to having already filled all three of their designated player slots with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi, all of whom are out of contract at season’s end. This development has cleared a potential path for Chicago.
New York City FC and D.C. United have also reportedly expressed interest, but Chicago, with only two designated players on its roster and ambitious ownership in Joe Mansueto, appears to be an ideal landing spot should De Bruyne decide to play in MLS, ESPN reported.
Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter, while not naming De Bruyne specifically, also subliminally hinted at the need for an ‘attacking player’ to anchor the midfield and supercharge their attack.
“I think that in a perfect world, you’d be able to invest across the entire roster and say, ‘OK, we can bring in world-class players in every position,’ but it’s not perfect,” the former USMNT coach stated in a presser.
“There’s a salary cap, there’s a limited amount of designated players. So I think the most sense is to bring in an attacking player.
“Someone that can change the game consistently from an attacking end and can work with the offensive weapons we already have to bring out more in them and help them continue, and overall help the team both on and off the field.”
The 33-year-old midfield maestro was at the epicentre of the Pep Guardiola-led revolution of City, aiding the Cityzens to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League crown in the 2022-23 season.
Albeit not at the peak of his powers, the quality and control that De Bruyne continues to provide make him a more than tempting option for any major club.
(with agency inputs)
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