Christian Pulisic has been predicted to continue setting trends for American players despite the stall in his career. With his Chelsea future at a crossroads the 24-year-old appears to be on the way out over the summer but there's still plenty left in the tank for another breakthrough move.
The USMNT star was one of the most exciting young players in the world when he made the big money move to London in 2019 but has struggled for consistent game time, fitness and quality performances. He is now being managed by the third manager in four years having been signed under Maurizio Sarri but never playing for him.
These changes haven't helped Pulisic settle down or become a regular under any of his coaches. He now has new competition at the club too with two new wingers joining in January and Christopher Nkunku expected to arrive in the summer too.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly told to make Graham Potter Chelsea sack decision after Tottenham defeat
He could now be set for an exit from Graham Potter's bloated squad and generate cash after a big outlay over two windows for Chelsea's new owners. Had he not have suffered an injury against Manchester City on January 5, then his move away may well have materialised.
There has been interest in his services since the summer with Juventus, AC Milan and Manchester United all linked with taking him on in some way, shape or form. A permanent deal at the end of the season now looks like the best solution for all parties. Pulisic still has hopes of achieving footballing greatness whilst Chelsea have fresh plans for their own rebuild.
A damning fact of his career in blue is that he has now missed 55 matches whilst scoring just 26 goals, more than two games out with injury per strike. It currently stands at over £2m per goal scored from his massive transfer fee as well. The Champions League triumph of 2021, in which Pulisic assisted the goal that sealed progression to the final, is a boost for his stock but things haven't progressed since. That came in front of Zinedine Zidane whilst he also scored in the first leg to give Chelsea the lead, leaving the French manager soaking in the rain.
Now, former USMNT player Freddy Adu thinks that one avenue for his future is certainly closed off. Speaking to MrCasinova.com he said, "I’d be amazed if he was the first US player to play at Real Madrid. When you think of Madrid it’s the biggest club in the world to a lot of people."
It is ironic in a way that Madrid have been referenced here. It was, afterall, against Los Blancos and Zidane in 2016 that he made his name as a talent on the European football scene. Pulisic's performance at Santiago Bernabeu saw him rise to prominence and go from being a promising young player to one sought after by the top clubs. Chelsea's deal to get him was greeted with excitement.
He is still in a position to get a big move though according to Adu. "He’s good enough, he’s talented enough, it’s just a matter of getting that playing time and once he gets it, he needs to take advantage of it. It can’t be one good game, one okay game – he has to be consistent."
Zidane is also one of the names linked with taking over from Potter should he be sacked by Todd Boehly following the worst run at SW6 in 30 years. The three time Champions League winning boss saw Pulisic close on that night and could potentially be the next man to offer life to his Chelsea career if a remarkable deal was pulled off.
Pulisic has been given hope of the next manager getting the best out of him on several occassions now but it seems as though the dice has finally been cast no matter who is in charge come the start of next season.
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter tipped to be sacked by Chelsea after Tottenham loss as Thomas Tuchel plea made
Graham Potter tipped for huge future managerial job despite Chelsea pressure and sacking calls
Chelsea told Graham Potter 'sacking timeline' as Todd Boehly urged with results ultimatum
Chelsea told Graham Potter 'sacking timeline' as Todd Boehly urged with results ultimatum
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
