Fabrizio Romano Reveals Chelsea ‘Are Not in Talks’ to Sign Man City Star | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne’s Future: Chicago Fire the Only Active Negotiator

Kevin De Bruyne, one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation, has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his future as his contract with Manchester City nears its expiry this summer. After a decade of success at the Etihad, winning numerous domestic and European titles, the Belgian midfielder is set to seek a new challenge in his career. Amidst a sea of rumours, Fabrizio Romano has provided clarity on De Bruyne’s next move, particularly regarding the intense speculation about a potential return to the Premier League or a move to Major League Soccer.

De Bruyne’s Contract Situation and Departure from Man City

On his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City, stating, “De Bruyne is leaving Man City, that’s 100 per cent sure.” The 33-year-old’s departure is confirmed as Man City has made it clear that they will not be offering him a new contract. With De Bruyne set to leave as a free agent, it marks the end of a chapter that has seen the Belgian establish himself as one of the finest playmakers in world football.

There had been a swirl of rumours for much of the past year suggesting that De Bruyne could move to MLS, particularly to San Diego, an expansion side in the United States. However, it has now become clear that these rumours were off the mark, with San Diego confirming they had no intention of pursuing the player. Instead, Chicago Fire have emerged as the front-runners to secure De Bruyne’s services.

Photo IMAGO

Chicago Fire Leading the Charge

Romano provided further insight, revealing that Chicago Fire are the only club currently negotiating with De Bruyne, saying, “The MLS club really pushing to sign De Bruyne is Chicago Fire. Chicago want to sign a superstar. They wanted Neymar in January, but that was not possible because he decided to go to Santos. They want De Bruyne now.”

The MLS side’s interest in signing De Bruyne underscores their ambition to bring in a high-profile player who can elevate their team’s profile both on and off the pitch. De Bruyne’s arrival at Chicago Fire would represent a seismic shift in the league, with the Belgian poised to become one of the biggest names to ever play in MLS.

While De Bruyne remains open to MLS, he is also keen on exploring options in Europe, as Romano stated: “De Bruyne is also open to discussing with European clubs, so De Bruyne will now have conversations with European clubs. Otherwise, he has an option in MLS.”

European Interest: Chelsea and Como Rumours Debunked

As expected, the rumour mill has continued to link De Bruyne with a host of European clubs. Chelsea, in particular, was mentioned as a possible destination, with reports circulating about a potential return to Stamford Bridge. However, Romano has dismissed these claims, clarifying, “We had some reports on Chelsea maybe being interested in re-signing De Bruyne, but my understanding is that Chelsea are not negotiating with De Bruyne. Chelsea are not in advanced talks with De Bruyne, Chelsea are not working on this deal as of today, and I don’t see this as a concrete possibility.”

Similarly, Italian club Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, were also linked with a move for De Bruyne, but Romano confirmed that “De Bruyne is not a target for Como. They are not even talking.” It appears that De Bruyne is not considering a move to Serie A, with the focus now shifting entirely to MLS or potential European suitors.

Photo: IMAGO

Conclusion: Chicago Fire Lead the Race for De Bruyne

With his departure from Manchester City confirmed, Kevin De Bruyne’s next steps are firmly in the spotlight. Chicago Fire have emerged as the leading contender for his signature, with the MLS side ready to make a significant financial investment to bring the Belgian to the United States. Although European clubs are reportedly interested, De Bruyne’s future appears to be leaning towards a move to MLS, with Chicago Fire at the forefront of this potential move.

The next few months will likely see De Bruyne explore all options available to him, but with his immense talent still undeniable, his next destination promises to be a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester City fans, the news that Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club is undeniably bittersweet. De Bruyne has been the beating heart of City’s attack for nearly a decade, contributing to our trophy-laden years and consistently proving himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. His ability to pick a pass, control the tempo, and create chances has set him apart, and it’s difficult to imagine a Manchester City midfield without him pulling the strings.

However, while his departure will be a huge loss, it’s clear that the club is ready to move forward. City has built a squad capable of competing on all fronts, and while De Bruyne’s vision will be missed, there are players ready to step up and fill the void. The likes of Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden have already shown they can create in the attacking third, and with Pep Guardiola’s tactical genius, it’s not inconceivable that we could evolve into a more dynamic team without relying so heavily on one player.