With a strong showing representing his country in the World Cup, the once-promising American star Christian Pulisic is generating a bit of buzz on the transfer market.
What’s Next for Christian Pulisic after the World Cup?
Injuries and inconsistent usage have led to his role at Chelsea becoming unclear over the past couple of seasons, so rumors are once again flying about a potential January exit from West London.
Still, at just 24 years old, Pulisic is an interesting player with experience playing in big matches for a club to buy low on to make a push in the second half of the season.
So should he stay or should he go?
A Potential January Transfer
After a summer filled with windows, transfer talks around Pulisic seem to have reignited in recent weeks following the US Men’s National Team’s performance in Qatar.
Teams rumored to be interested in Chelsea’s #10 include Arsenal, Manchester United, Leeds United, and Newcastle, with the Magpies looking to make him their next “statement signing.”
One of the American’s biggest problems at Chelsea has been an inconsistent role due to the sheer amount of talent available to choose from with the squad. Similar issues have plagued other big Chelsea signings, like Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, over the past few seasons.
There are a couple of intriguing options here that would solve this problem by having Pulisic contend with less competition for playing time.
With Leeds, he would be playing with USMNT teammates Brendan Aaronson and Tyler Adams, and also have more of a defined role as a regular player. They are close to the relegation line and need a spark to improve their chances of staying up.
Newcastle could also provide Pulisic with more regular starring time than Chelsea and is in a position to qualify for the Champions League, as it stands.
With Manchester United and Arsenal, he would probably have more of a substitute role, which hasn’t been the best use of his talents at Stamford Bridge.
Despite some disappointment recently, Pulisic is still a very talented player. Adding someone of his ilk would certainly improve a team’s odds to qualify for European football and have sportsbooks offering risk free bets for users to place wagers.
Staying with Chelsea
There are plenty of arguments for Pulisic leaving. The man himself reportedly pushed hard for a transfer during the summer window, so he would probably welcome the move.
However, there’s still plenty of time for him to turn things around with the Blues. He’s still only 24 and has plenty of time to improve.
One of the biggest pitfalls in his development as a player has been consistent small injuries that hamper him whenever he starts to get in a run of good form. The past two seasons have been one step forward two steps back in this regard.
If his injury luck would turn around a bit more, then his form would certainly improve.
The sad reality is that he probably just isn’t the best option to start, with talent like Ziyech, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz often occupying the wings and competing for minutes. Pulisic’s skillset would seem to lend itself to being a great 60th-minute sub to take on tired legs, but he may not be content with that role.
He was a key part of the squad that won the Champion’s League in that role, but maybe he’s tired of not getting regular time in the starting eleven.
If Pulisic is okay being a regular sub, then Chelsea is probably the place to be. If not, then a move to Leeds or Newcastle might be the perfect solution.