USMNT star Christian Pulisic has endured a difficult spell at Chelsea - but the talented forward could secure an escape in the form of five clubs when the transfer window opens this summer.
Pulisic signed for Chelsea in January 2019 for £58million, making him the most expensive USMNT player of all-time before he was loaned back to Borussia Dortmund for the remainder of the season. He has since enjoyed a tenure littered with inconsistency, with his attacking enterprise showcased far too infrequently amid injury issues.
Ultimately, the American has struggled to live up to his hefty price-tag. Pulisic has been something of a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge and has fallen down the pecking order after the Blues splashed major sums on a horde of new signings. Mirror Football has identified five possible routes out of Stamford Bridge for the American.
Manchester United
Pulisic has 20 Premier League goals to his name, and seems to be comfortable playing in the most competitive league in the world. So a switch inside the top six shouldn't be completely ruled out. His consistency has waned despite being in a side that boasts world class talent in several different areas of the pitch.
The Red Devils were linked with a loan move for the American in January as they sought an attacking option in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo ’s acrimonious departure from Old Trafford. Given how Erik ten Hag is reinvigorating the club, Pulisic would likely receive a new lease of life akin to Marcus Rashford while he would be performing for one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Newcastle United
Pulisic scored 11 goals in 34 matches during an impressive first season, and more importantly was influential in Chelsea’s run to Champions League glory in 2021, but the 24-year-old may need a change of scenery to rediscover his best form. Eddie Howe's side could well have European football next season, and will need some players with experience in their side.
Newcastle have previously been linked with a move for Pulisic as the newly-rich Magpies seek both world class talent on the pitch to go with international exposure. As the captain of the USMNT, Pulisic ticks both boxes and would certainly interest Newcastle in the summer, especially if the club's new owners continue to splash the cash.
Borussia Dortmund
A return to Borussia Dortmund could provide the perfect environment for Pulisic to thrive in and reignite his career. The American came through at the Signal Iduna Park as a teenager before bursting onto the scene and earning his big-money move to Stamford Bridge at the age of 20.
Juventus
If not the Premier League, Pulisic could return to Dortmund and star in the Bundesliga or move to Italy’s Serie A as there is reported interest from Juventus. The Turin giants would have to hold off rivals Inter Milan, with both sides seemingly interested in snapping up Pulisic should he seek a move from London this summer.
LAFC
Finally, Pulisic could opt to return to his native USA and play for LAFC as a marquee replacement for Gareth Bale, who announced his retirement after representing Wales at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It would be an eyebrow-raising move given the MLS is of a lower quality than European football, but it could serve to elevate the league as it captures a star of Pulisic’s quality in the prime of his career.
Financially, LAFC could afford to meet Pulisic's current wages of £150,000 per-week without making him the highest-paid player in the league - that crown belongs to Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC, who pockets a whopping £235,000 per-week.
