da esoccer bet： The American star appears to have run out of road at Stamford Bridge, with his disappointing Blues career likely to end in the summer
da doce： It's been a rough year or so for Christian Pulisic, at least at club level. Brought in to be one of the shining stars of Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea attack in 2019, injuries once again disrupted his 2022-23 season.
Even when he was fit, a string of Blues bosses never seemed to be fully convinced of the USMNT star's talents, with Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard all showing a rather limp commitment to the Pulisic project.
His Chelsea career reached its nadir in May when he was left out of the matchday squad entirely for the Blues' 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino does not seem to have a radically different view on the forward, and it's all but certain that he will be moving onto pastures new this summer.
He could be available at a knockdown price too, with Pulisic's contract set to expire at the end of the season. AC Milan are believed to be leading the race for his signature at the time of writing, but Lyon remain keen and several other clubs could enter the running as they look to grab themselves a bargain this summer. Below, GOAL analyses where Pulisic will end up as he looks to rebuild his stuttering club career.
GettyAC Milan
It was a disappointing 2022-23 season for AC Milan. Their Scudetto defence did not go to plan at all, and eternal rivals Inter also bested them in the Champions League semi-final over two blockbuster legs at San Siro. Soon after, technical director and club legend Paolo Maldini was sacked, capping off a pretty torrid year.
The Rossoneri were one of the first clubs linked with a move for Pulisic when it became clear that things were not going to work out at Stamford Bridge, and it's easy to see why they would be interested. Even if he has signed a new contract, Rafael Leao's long-term future is still not certain, and Pulisic could be their succession plan for the Portuguese star.
Several Premier League players – including Fikayo Tomori and Chris Smalling – have been able to resurrect their careers in Italy recently, and it's easy to imagine Pulisic repeating the trick should he move to San Siro this summer.
With personal terms reportedly agreed and Pulisic keen on the switch, Milan have to be considered strong favourites to win the race for the 24-year-old's signature.
AdvertisementGettyLyon
The only other club who have tabled a formal offer for Pulisic is Lyon. Les Gones are a side in transition at the moment, with Jean-Michel Aulas' three-decade long tenure as chairman coming to an end in May.
American businessman John Textor now has majority control of the club and the tech millionaire has looked close to home for his first marquee signing. Unfortunately for Lyon, Pulisic does not appear to be convinced by the prospect of joining the Ligue 1 side at present.
And who can blame him? Paris Saint-Germain's stranglehold over French football means his chances of winning a league title are perilously thin, while Lyon's disappointing seventh-placed finish last campaign means they cannot even offer Pulisic Champions League football.
It's difficult to envisage the American changing his mind, but if Milan cannot get a deal over the line, there are worse places to rebuild your reputation.
Getty ImagesManchester United
Pulisic was linked with an audacious move to Manchester United last summer, in a deal that might have involved Harry Maguire going in the other direction.
Things have changed dramatically since then, with Chelsea looking well-stocked at centre-back due to the arrivals of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, and Maguire now worth a fraction of his previous value.
Meanwhile, United are also thought to be prioritising other areas, with a striker at the top of their shopping list. The Red Devils' forward ranks are pretty bloated too, meaning Pulisic could find playing time similarly limited at Old Trafford. This one seems unlikely unless United opt to sell Jadon Sancho this summer, which isn't complete out the realm of possibility.
GettyJuventus
Moving to Juventus could allow Pulisic to link up with long-time friend and USMNT team-mate Weston McKennie. McKennie moved to Leeds United on loan in January, but was on the train back to Turin just hours after the Whites' relegation was confirmed a few months later.
The prospect of playing alongside his compatriot would be enticing for Pulisic, but if recent reports are to be believed, he could be on the move too.
Juve are open to McKennie leaving Turin this summer, and may even include the midfielder in a part-exchange deal with for, ironically, Milan defender Pierre Kalulu. Perhaps then, Pulisic and McKennie will be reunited after all, just not at Juventus.
Leaving that factor to one side, it may be advisable that the winger snubs a move anyway. Juve remain in turmoil and after a tricky season at Chelsea he is in danger of jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.