The former USMNT defender has shared a surprising take on the Belgian, suggesting the MLS side may have avoided a potentially disappointing move
Lalas questions whether De Bruyne's style would translate effectively to MLSComparison to Pirlo's struggles adapting to physical demandsBelieves Fire potentially saved from a signing who might not have joined for right reasonsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas addressed the growing rumors that Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is now favoring a move to Italian side Napoli rather than joining Chicago Fire. The Belgian is set to leave City on a free transfer, and the MLS side had been heavily linked with a deal for the midfielder.
“Yeah, it's an interesting move,” Lalas said on his podcast. “Obviously, we were just talking about how good they [Napoli] are, and him coming in only makes them better. But you know, all along, you have to be a specific type of person and personality, I think to take that step [move to the MLS]. You know what, for example, when [Andrea] Pirlo came over, it did not go well. And I never saw him as one of those guys who would function well in an MLS capacity. And I get the same vibe from Kevin De Bruyne."
Lalas surprisingly suggested Chicago might be better off, countering the prevailing narrative that losing De Bruyne would be a major setback.
“I know, like, I'm not saying that he wouldn't have been fun to see and that if you're Chicago right now, you're like, 'we gave our best and it didn't work out'," Lalas said. "But who knows, maybe you dodged a bullet there. 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 added, “And I want you to have the personality that accepts that it is a very different and unique type of experience, and you embrace that and want that. And obviously, that's not something that he wanted either from a soccer perspective or a lifestyle perspective.”
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The growth of MLS has altered the calculus around designated player signings, with clubs increasingly focused on players who view the league as a serious competitive challenge rather than merely a lifestyle choice or retirement option. That especially occurred in the wake of Pirlo’s underwhelming stint at New York City FC, with it serving as a notable cautionary tale.
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Chicago Fire will likely redirect their designated player search toward other potential targets as the summer transfer window approaches. Meanwhile, De Bruyne's future remains uncertain, with Napoli reportedly leading the race for his signature among other European sides when he leaves Manchester City as a free agent this summer.
