MLS club targets European icon after 10-year Premier League run | OneFootball

It's official. MLS has Kevin De Bruyne on its radar. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chicago Fire laid its cards on the table, made a presentation, and jumped headfirst into contention for the midfielder who shaped an era at Manchester City. The timing may be off at first glance, but look again, and it is ideal, for the club, the league, and maybe even the player himself.

After a decade at City, where he was the technical and emotional heartbeat of Pep Guardiola's team, the Belgian is quietly planning his way out. And MLS spotted its opportunity.

Manchester City FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League | Matt McNulty/GettyImages

Chicago Fire had a strategy, one that involved soccer and branding. Something constructed for the present, yet also with retirement in mind. A path already being followed by other American clubs, and one ideal for a player like De Bruyne, who boasts global acclaim, an elite pedigree, and massive influence.

A new chapter begins

De Bruyne's own recent comments help to clarify the situation. "I'm open to any project that comes up. I love football, I love to play football, and if a good project comes up and my family is also happy with it, we can make a decision."

He did not say anything certain, that is for sure. But he made it clear that his future is open. "Staying in England? I don't know. Honestly, I don't know. Could be, might not be." To the majority of fans, that reads like goodbye. To some, it's uncertainty. To the market, though, it's a green light. And Chicago Fire were the first to put the pedal to the floor.

Is age catching up? Sure. The body no longer snaps back in quite the same manner, and injuries are becoming increasingly common. But De Bruyne is still decisive. Still puts the ball wherever he wants. Still controls the tempo like few others can. And it's exactly that blend, experience and elite-level talent, that would make him such a desirable target for American soccer.

MLS as a destination with a plan

The league has grown in viewership, drawn in big names, and most importantly, changed its identity. It's not a retirement league anymore. It's a destination that invests, develops, and knows how to turn big names into big business.

Inter Miami and Messi are the greatest proof of that. The Argentine's arrival flipped the club upside down. Ticket sales, broadcasting contracts, social media engagement, brand reputation, everything went through the roof. MLS saw the ripple effect and now wants to do it all again with other elite players, and De Bruyne is next in line without a doubt.

Manchester City FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League | Matt McNulty/GettyImages

Chicago may not be at its best on the field, but it is one of the most strategic cities in the country. De Bruyne as the club's face would be a total franchise rebranding. And that is a card that very few can play.

Global appeal, with subtlety

Of course, MLS is not the only one in the picture. Inter Miami, for example, has already been mentioned as a potential destination, trying to recreate the formula that brought Messi, Busquets, and Alba into alignment. Saudi Arabia, following its now-familiar script with European megastars, is also keeping a watching brief. Money's no object, and the bid would certainly be astronomical.

But there is one factor that is the world to De Bruyne: family. That much he made clear. Any decision will hinge not just on football or money, but on peace of mind. And in that sense, the United States has clear benefits over the Middle East. Especially for a player who, clearly, is not looking to make a move just for the cash.