Chicago Fire FC is reportedly initiating discussions with star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne regarding a designated player contract, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. With the Belgian international set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the Fire appears to be in a favorable position to secure his services if he opts for a Major League Soccer (MLS) move.

Background on De Bruyne’s Departure from Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne recently announced his decision to leave Manchester City after an illustrious tenure with the club, having joined them in 2015. His contract with the Premier League champions will conclude at the end of this season, paving the way for potential new opportunities.

MLS Landscape and Discovery Rights

Inter Miami CF holds the discovery rights for De Bruyne, which typically grants them the first opportunity to sign a player. However, with Miami currently occupied with the maximum allowable designated players—Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi—there may be a pathway for Chicago Fire to pursue him more actively.

New York City FC and D.C. United are also reportedly interested in De Bruyne, yet Chicago, with room for additional designated players on their roster and ambitious ownership under Joe Mansueto, stands out as a strong potential fit.

Coach’s Perspective on Team Needs

Recently, Chicago’s head coach Gregg Berhalter emphasized the need for a creative attacking player to enhance the team’s performance. While he did not mention De Bruyne explicitly, his comments reflect an openness to bringing in high-caliber talent that could synergize well with current forwards like Hugo Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba.

“In a perfect world, you’d be able to invest across the entire roster… But it’s not perfect,” said Berhalter. “I think the most sense is to bring in an attacking player that can change the game consistently.”

The Future for De Bruyne

When asked about his future following a recent match against Crystal Palace, De Bruyne expressed his willingness to explore various opportunities, indicating that he remains open to projects that align with both his and his family’s desires.

“Whatever project is available, I’m willing to listen. I love football. I love to play football,” De Bruyne stated.

Conclusion

As discussions progress, the prospect of Kevin De Bruyne joining Chicago Fire FC adds an exciting dimension to the upcoming MLS season. The combination of his exceptional skill set and the ambitions of Fire’s management could lead to a groundbreaking move that reshapes the club’s future.