New favourite revealed in race to sign Kevin De Bruyne | OneFootball

MLS franchise Chicago Fire are the favourites to sign Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne this summer, according to multiple reports.

De Bruyne confirmed at the start of April that he'll be leaving Manchester City following the expiration of his contract in June. The all-time great Premier League midfielder has terrorised Premier League defences for the past decade, playing a starring role for Pep Guardiola's Cityzens.

The dominant midfielder has struggled with injury setbacks in recent times, thus limiting his influence on Guardiola's side. De Bruyne underwent hamstring surgery at the start of the 2023/24 season which kept him out of action for several months, and he was bothered by a hamstring issue last autumn.

While fitness concerns mean De Bruyne can't be relied upon to dazzle weekly as he once could, the midfielder, who still believes he can compete at the highest level and is open to staying in the Premier League, has shown glimpses during the run-in. On Friday night, De Bruyne scored the game's only goal as Man City took another step towards a top-five Premier League finish by beating Wolves 1-0.

His future will become clearer once City's season draws to a close, but it seems as if De Bruyne's next venture will see him cross the Atlantic. An array of MLS clubs boast an interest in acquiring the 33-year-old, including David Beckham's Inter Miami, but their three designated player spots are already occupied by Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

D.C. United and New York City FC are also keen, but The Athletic report that the Chicago Fire are the current frontrunners for De Bruyne's signature. Chicago hold the priority to negotiate with De Bruyne, who prefers a move to America over Saudi Arabia.

The Fire are a rebuilding franchise with former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter at the helm. They've made the post-season just one in the previous 12 campaigns, with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Hristo Stoichkov among their most notable alumni.

De Bruyne's goal against Wolves could be crucial / Stu Forster/Getty Images

City supporters, meanwhile, will want at least one more parting gift from a modern-day legend, who drew significant praise from Guardiola after his latest match-winning contribution.

"His contribution in the game against Crystal Palace when we were 2-0 down and he delivers, and today the goal again.," the Spaniard said. "I am happy that it is finishing that way, and we have one more game in the Etihad.

"I want the best for Kevin so it cannot be possible to have done these many years without him. He has been an incredible player - but the situation is what it is.

"It's almost impossible to replace this kind of player. It is not just the performance, it is what he means to the heart for our fans for many, many years. The success we have belongs to the players."

De Bruyne can go out on the ultimate high when City take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final later this month.