Why Alexi Lalas is wrong about Kevin de Bruyne

Before that, though, the Chicago Fire were front-runners to sign De Bruyne, according to ESPN. Major League Soccer, of course, has a history of bringing Premier League legends across the pond, including Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.

Fox Sports analyst and former U.S. Men's National Team defender Alexi Lalas came up with a surprise take, suggesting De Bruyne wouldn’t have made it in the MLS.

Lalas then went as far to say that the Fire "dodged a bullet" by not signing one of the best players of his generation.

"Wonderful player and I wish him well with what's happening, but if you're going to go to MLS, I want you to go for the right reasons." he said on his "State of The Union Podcast."

He’s wrong, De Bruyne would have been one of the best signings in MLS history. Chicago’s midfield is its main weakness; the current trio of Sergio Oregel, Mauricio Pineda and Rominigue Kouame has failed to provide a good enough link between defense and attack for Gregg Berhalter’s side.

The three have just three goal contributions among them, and only Pineda has a tackle success rate of more than one per 90 minutes, with 1.1.

They're simply not contributing enough defensively or offensively. Not only would De Bruyne's immense ability on the ball free others to press, but having someone of his reputation would strike fear into the hearts of the opposition.

His last season in England has seen De Bruyne struggle with injuries, missing 12 games across all competitions as City had an uncharacteristically inconsistent season. 

In a slower league such as the MLS, his eye for a pass would have proven decisive, especially considering the Fire rank eighth in terms of big chances created with 48.

In Lalas' defense, there is always a risk signing players who are in the twilight of their careers.  Andrea Pirlo, who played for New York City FC from 2015-17, is a perfect example of one who didn't take the MLS as seriously as he should have.

Unlike Pirlo, however, De Bruyne hasn't lost his edge. His comeback coincided with City's return to form and subsequent qualification for next season's Champions League. He ended 2024-25 with four goals and seven assists. 

Berhalter has goal scorers, Hugo Cuypers is level with Lionel Messi with 10, including seven in the past 10 games. With a 0.64 goals per 90 minutes in 2024-25, De Bruyne would have been the missing piece.