The Chelsea winger has come to a crossroad – GOAL takes a look at the 24-year-old's options heading into a career-defining summer
There's a pretty good chance that we've seen the last of Christian Pulisic in a Chelsea jersey. He may not admit it publicly, at least not yet, but there's a feeling that this summer is the right time for all involved to move on. Pulisic and Chelsea won a Champions League together, and one would hope that leaves a lasting legacy, but, given the dysfunction of this past season, both sides would benefit from moving on.
Pulisic, set to turn 25 in September, is no longer in the 'young player' category. He's still developing, for sure, but the U.S. men's national team star is at a point in his career where he needs to be playing regularly. That didn't happen this past season at Chelsea, where he managed just over 1,000 minutes under three different coaches while struggling with fitness and form.
Chelsea, meanwhile, need to clear up the squad, having signed just about every player under the sun over the last year. The club could certainly use some money, too, making Pulisic a prime candidate to move on.
So, that brings us to the summer, one full of juicy transfer rumors from all over the continent. Pulisic has been linked to just about every major club, but no clear-cut frontrunner has truly emerged for his services. It is believed that a fee between £20 and £40 million would get the job done, and reports have said that Pulisic is willing to take a pay cut to go to the right club.
But which club is the right club? GOAL breaks down Pulisic's options…
Getty ImagesNewcastle
Of the clubs in England, Newcastle felt like the most logical fit.
They're outside the big six, but now have big-six money. Pulisic, a Champions League winner, is seemingly the right kind of player for them to be signing as they look to steadily move into that elite tier in England.
However, according to the Athletic, Newcastle are no longer interested as they themselves prepare for a massive summer. They had previously enquired about taking Pulisic on loan, according to reports, but the club is now said to be moving on to other targets.
Which is a shame for Pulisic, really, as Newcastle would have seemingly represented the right kind of move for him to be making: not a step up, not a step down, but a step right back into the Champions League.
AdvertisementGettyManchester United
Manchester United have previously been linked to Pulisic, although it seems that interest has somewhat cooled.
In reality, the move would represent progress for Pulisic, who would leave a struggling Chelsea for a Manchester United team seemingly on the rise. With several key players at the club also facing uncertain futures, there's a path to more regular playing time at Old Trafford than there ever was at Stamford Bridge.
Man Utd, though, need a striker more than anything. The club is very much a No.9 away from competing at a higher level, and one would expect them to throw everything they have at that position. Their winger depth is also pretty solid, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho with the club, and Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo on the way up.
Aside from a striker, there are other positions of need, with a midfielder, defender and goalkeeper all possibly coming in.
Chelsea may not be willing to sell to Man Utd either, which further complicates any potential move.
GettyFrance
Realistically, there's only one club in Ligue 1 that would likely be able to afford a move. And, while that club will need attackers this summer, no doubt, it doesn't seem that Pulisic really fits the bill.
PSG have already lost Lionel Messi this summer, and it looks like Kylian Mbappe could be close behind. That would leave PSG totally reeling in the attack, with only the oft-injured Neymar returning from their three-headed monster up top.
Should they sell Mbappe, PSG would have a massive transfer budget to work with, but is Pulisic really in the class of player they would look to attract? He has won a Champions League, of course, and that is the club PSG are so desperate to win, but is he the type of player that really gets them any closer, especially with Mbappe out the door?
PSG really may end up being the most interesting team of the summer, especially if Mbappe moves. Pulisic could, logically, be an answer at winger, but who knows what the leadership in Paris will cook up as they look to replace one or two superstars?
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Getty ImagesGermany
While Pulisic's reputation has taken a bit of a hit in England, those in Germany will still remember him fondly. He was a hell of a player for Borussia Dortmund and Bundesliga fans have long had a better opinion of USMNT players than most of their European counterparts.
However, it's hard to see a landing spot in Germany for Pulisic, even with his good reputation there.
Bayern Munich are, of course, managed by Thomas Tuchel, and it's unlikely either party will be desperate for a third go-around together. Pulisic's 2022 book took a shot at Tuchel and the relationship never seemingly recovered. The two worked wonders together at some points and struggled to work together at others. That time has passed.
Dortmund, meanwhile, have plenty of depth in the attack. So much depth, in fact, that they've struggled to incorporate their own USMNT star, Gio Reyna. Plus, after selling Jude Bellingham this summer, they'll likely be looking to reinforce the midfield more than anything.
Can any other club in Germany afford Pulisic? Probably not. Perhaps RB Leipzig or Union Berlin could figure something out due to their status as Champions League participants, but Germany doesn't look like a real possibility at this point.