Aston Villa’s interest in Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne appears to be fading, with MLS side Chicago Fire now emerging as the frontrunners for the midfielder’s signature ahead of the summer transfer window.
MLS makes its move
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De Bruyne is expected to leave Man City at the end of the current campaign, bringing to an end a remarkable spell that included five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League crown.
Now 32, the Belgian playmaker has opened talks with Chicago Fire, according to ESPN, with the MLS side ready to table a lucrative Designated Player offer. While Inter Miami have also been linked, they reportedly lack the flexibility to match Chicago’s proposal due to current roster and wage constraints — despite holding the player’s MLS discovery rights.
Villa’s Premier League pitch losing ground
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Aston Villa had positioned themselves as a potential Premier League destination for Kevin De Bruyne, especially with Champions League football now on the horizon under Unai Emery. The club saw the veteran as a short-term but high-impact addition — a midfield orchestrator with elite European experience to support their step up.
However, the emotional and physical appeal of MLS appears to be winning out. Sources close to De Bruyne suggest a move to the U.S. could align better with his family priorities and allow him to ease into the latter stages of his career.
Club World Cup role unclear
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De Bruyne’s comments following City’s 1-0 win over Wolves hinted at further uncertainty. When asked if he would represent the club at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, he admitted the decision would “depend on what happens next.”
If he remains in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne could feasibly take part. But a summer move to MLS would likely see him miss the tournament altogether, especially if his new club declines to release him outside FIFA windows — a common policy in U.S. soccer.
A legacy nearing its end
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Though no official decision has been made, momentum is clearly shifting toward a move away from England. Kevin De Bruyne remains one of Manchester City’s most iconic figures of the modern era, but with younger midfielders stepping up and his injury record mounting, a graceful exit at the top seems increasingly likely.
For Aston Villa and other English clubs hoping to keep him in the Premier League, the window to act may already be closing.
