Kevin De Bruyne Starts Opening Opportunities To Play In MLS

JAKARTA - The Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Chicago Fire FC, is negotiating with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne regarding the player's contract. There seems to be an opportunity to sign a Belgian playmaker.

De Bruyne announced last month that he would be leaving Manchester City at the end of this season when his contract expired. The 33-year-old has been with the Premier League defending champion four times since 2015.

Inter Miami CF also still has the right to meet De Bruyne, which is the first rejection right mechanism MLS uses to prevent its team from bidding to get the services of players.

However, Miami already has the maximum number of DP (Designated Player) players with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi, although all three will expire their contracts at the end of the season.

In DP rules, clubs can recruit up to three compensation DP players and their acquisition costs exceed the Maximum Salary Budget.

In addition, the club bears financial responsibility for any compensation that exceeds the cost of each player's salary budget (out of the Salary Limit).

It appears to have opened the door to Chicago Fire.

In addition, New York City FC and DC United have also reportedly expressed interest. However, Chicago, with only two DP players on its cast list and Joe Mansueto's ambitious holdings, seems to be the ideal landing site if De Bruyne decides to play at MLS.

De Bruyne can also stay in Europe. He was asked after a win over Crystal Palace on April 12, 2025 about his next move, he left the door open.

"Whatever projects are available, I'm willing to listen. I love football. I love playing football."

"If a good project comes and my family is fine with it, then we can make a decision," said De Bruyne.

Two weeks ago, Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter, though not mentioning De Bruyne's name, said he was looking for creative strikers to equip strikers Hugo Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba.

"I think in a perfect world, you will be able to invest in the entire list of players. We can bring in world-class players in every position, but that's not perfect."

"There are salary limits, the number of players appointed is limited. So, in my opinion, the most reasonable thing is to bring in an attacking player."

"A person who can change the game consistently from the attacking side. Then, they can work with the offensive weapons we already have to get more out of them and help them move forward."

"Overall helping the team both on and off the pitch," said the former USMNT coach.

The Athletic was the first to report that Chicago Fire had a chance to get De Bruyne.