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Chicago Fire eyeing big move for Kevin De Bruyne this Summer per report

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated May 1, 2025 9:10 PM ET

The Chicago Fire sit in 11th place through 10 matches this season, holding 12 points after a good start to the campaign before injuries took a toll. But now, the Fire have their eyes on European star Kevin De Bruyne for a potential transfer move.

Paul Tenorio of The Athletic reported on Thursday night that the Fire are the favorites to sign Kevin De Bruyne this Summer as they look for a big move.

Here is what Tenorio wrote on the situation:

The Chicago Fire are favorites to sign Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne this summer, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

De Bruyne previously engaged in discussions with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, which owned his discovery priority in MLS, a league mechanism that gives teams the right to negotiate with a player. However, Miami’s three designated player spots are already occupied by Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

While Miami looked to make another big move and land De Bruyne, their three spots are already occupied as Tenorio stated above. The Fire were one of three MLS teams joining D.C. United and NYCFC as the other two.

However, the Fire now have the priority to negotiate with De Bruyne.

Will Kevin De Bruyne land with the Chicago Fire?

Another part of the report that is key for De Bruyne’s future is that Tenorio reported that he would prefer a move to the MLS rather than go to Saudi Arabia like Cristiano Ronaldo recently did.

But he’s also open to staying in Europe as well:

Chicago now holds the priority to negotiate with Kevin De Bruyne, and sources indicate that the Belgium captain would prefer a move to the MLS side over signing in Saudi Arabia.

De Bruyne, however, said last month that he would be open to remaining in the Premier League, and sources warned that other European options could always enter the picture as the season comes to a close.

Kevin De Brunye is set to turn 34 and is expected to leave Man City after 10 years with the club. He won 19 trophies and scored 189 goals and assists combined.

While De Brunye is out of his prime and on the wrong side of 30, it still would be a beneficial move for the Fire under new manager Gregg Berhalter as they look to turn things around.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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