Christian Pulisic is the biggest name in American men’s soccer and has been a key player for AC Milan for the past three seasons. In the first two seasons with the club he notched 12 and 11 goals with 8 and 9 assists respectively and made the Serie A team of the season twice in a row. This year though, he dropped off a bit missing time due to injury and not quite fitting in with the club’s tactical setup. His stats so far are 8 goals and 4 assists which is respectable but not eye popping.
It’s easy
to forget that just five months ago he was being named as among the best in Italy. However, in the second half of this year AC Milan has not played with a traditional no. 9 and that has taken a toll on his performances with the club. His contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, though there is a club option that could keep him there through the following campaign.
Given that his stats fell off, some might suggest he should find better opportunities for his skills as he doesn’t seem to be the best compliment to AC Milan’s strategy. Unless… I Rossoneri shifts focus and finds a compliment to Pulisic in the form of a no. 9. If only there were a player that might be ready to make a jump to better competition following the World Cup.
Hey, Fabrizio Romano – you heard any roomers about this? (He hasn’t).
Still, it’s an enticing option for him. Balo has 19 goals in 42 games for Monaco this season and his name has come up as silly season approaches with a potential move to the Premier League. Moving to Italy isn’t that huge of a stretch and AC Milan would certainly be a step forward in his career, not to mention it would unite him with his USMNT teammate.
While Balo might not come to AC Milan, Pulisic clearly plays at his best with a striker leading the line to play off of, create space for him to score, and set up with passes into the box of his own. If Milan goes a different route and keeps their striker pool as it is, CP10 may need to adapt his game or fans may need to change expectations as far as his role and statistical output when it comes to his future in red and black.
That said, moving might not be a terrible option for him. He’s proven he can play at a top level and teams will want his services. Plus, from a marketing standpoint, he will be coming off of being the face of a World Cup host nation and that is something teams consider when it comes to transfers. It’s hard to say where he should or could go – back to England or Germany? Elsewhere in Italy? Somewhere totally unexpected like Saudi Arabia? Dare I say it – he could jump the pond and come to the Canadian Premier League also (see what I did there?).
