Kevin De Bruyne appears set for a summer move to Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire emerging as frontrunners to secure the Belgian maestro's signature, according to reliable sources.
The 33-year-old playmaker's illustrious Manchester City career is drawing to a close, though European suitors could yet scupper the American switch, with the midfielder reportedly favouring a continental stay. A definitive decision is expected within the next month, as reported by The Athletic's respected correspondent David Ornstein.
"I will actually start with Kevin De Bruyne, because that is such a big story. He's departing the club after all these years and all this success, and he has no decision so far on what he's going to do next," Ornstein revealed during his appearance on NBC Sports.
"I would expect that within maybe the next four weeks, I think it's unlikely he'll play at the Club World Cup for Manchester City," added Ornstein. "He's got a couple of World Cup qualifiers with Belgium to focus on, and then we'll see where he ends up next."
The midfield virtuoso is not short of options, with interest from Italy's Napoli, various Turkish outfits and Saudi Arabian clubs. Premier League destinations appear improbable, with Ornstein dismissing speculation linking the Belgian to Liverpool.
"The Premier League would hold possibilities, but I think that's unlikely. There were suggestions of Liverpool, but I don't think it's going to happen. I don't think he'd want to play against Manchester City in the future," Ornstein explained.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has weighed in, suggesting De Bruyne might struggle with another Premier League campaign but could thrive in Serie A or La Liga.
Despite City's inconsistent form this term, De Bruyne has demonstrated he remains capable of dictating matches at the highest level, leaving football circles eagerly anticipating his next career move.