Christian Pulisic, the 24-year-old American forward, is on the brink of finalizing a £20m transfer from Chelsea to AC Milan, marking a significant shift in his professional career. Pulisic, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, is expected to undergo a medical examination in Milan this week.
Pulisic's journey with Chelsea began in 2019 when he was signed from Borussia Dortmund for £57.6m, a record-breaking fee for a North American player. During his tenure with the Blues, he netted 26 goals in 145 appearances and was part of the squad that triumphed over Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.
However, his final season with Chelsea was less than stellar, with only one goal to his name. This, coupled with a series of injuries, led to new manager Mauricio Pochettino deeming him expendable. Despite interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Arsenal, Pulisic's future lies in Italy, with Milan meeting Chelsea's £20m valuation.
The move to Milan will reunite Pulisic with his former Chelsea teammate, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who also made the switch to the Italian club this summer. This transfer is part of a broader exodus from Stamford Bridge, with several first-team players, including Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, and Mason Mount, moving to other clubs.
Pulisic's imminent departure is a testament to the fluid nature of football, where players must adapt to new environments and challenges. As he prepares to don the red and black of AC Milan, fans will be eager to see if this change of scenery can reignite the spark that made him one of the most sought-after talents in world football.
As the saying goes, "When one door closes, another opens." For Christian Pulisic, the door to AC Milan is wide open, and only time will tell what lies on the other side.
