From lifting the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 to starring in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues, Captain America aka Christian Pulisic has never shied away from the big stage. But with greatness comes a set of tough choices—stay where you’re comfortable or chase something bigger. Now, a former USMNT legend has expressed his take on Pulisic’s future at AC Milan.
Christian Pulisic’s journey has been one of constant growth. Starting out at Borussia Dortmund in Germany, he caught the world’s attention with his raw talent. The move to Chelsea seemed like a dream, where he made history as the second-ever USMNT player to win the Champions League. But the plot twist came when he decided to head to Italy, joining AC Milan. And what a move it’s been. In the 2024 Serie A season, he’s already netted 5 goals and assisted 4 times in just 14 games, showing his consistency and hunger for more.
Pulisic, famously called Captain America, is at a crossroads. With Liverpool and Manchester United both keen on his talents, the choices are tempting. Former USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller recently shared his advice with GOAL on the future of Christian Pulisic. Keller offered advice that wasn’t just about soccer but about life, encouraging Pulisic, and players like him, to embrace bold decisions while keeping their personal goals and circumstances in mind.
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“I don’t know if there is a right answer or a wrong answer,“ Keller remarked, reflecting on the offers Pulisic has received from Premier League giants like Liverpool and Manchester United. “It’s just what Christian feels at that time. If it’s right for his team and him to make a move, I would be 100 percent supportive as well if he was like ‘This is a pretty good situation I have got at AC Milan so we’re going to stay with this for a while’.“
He then expressed “The key to any answer is are you going to play? You still have to do it. Even if the manager says to you ‘You’re my guy’, if you play badly then you aren’t going to stay there. You have to bet on yourself at times, but it’s also really hard to leave a good situation.” Do you agree? Staying with a club like AC Milan, where Pulisic has shined with 23 goals and 14 assists in 70 matches, seems like a safe bet. On the other, exploring new opportunities in the Premier League could unlock even greater potential.
However, multiple factors have dealt a blow to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s hopes of signing Christian Pulisic from AC Milan. Why?
The real reason why Liverpool’s high-profile deal is off the table
“Big opportunities come to those who prove their worth.” That’s exactly what Christian Pulisic has done in Serie A, where he’s flourished since his move to AC Milan. The 26-year-old USMNT star has silenced critics with a stellar first 18 months in Italy, cementing his place as one of the league’s brightest stars. Despite currently being sidelined with an injury, Pulisic’s name has been linked with a potential move to Liverpool during the January transfer window. So why does it seem unlikely now?
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One reason is the Mohamed Salah situation. Liverpool’s star forward is nearing the end of his contract, and the club is focused on resolving his future. If Salah extends, the urgency to bring in Pulisic diminishes. But if Salah leaves, Liverpool might push harder for a replacement. On the other hand, AC Milan isn’t sitting quietly. They see Pulisic as their main man and are keen to ensure he stays. Reports suggest that Milan is working on a pay raise for Pulisic, increasing his annual salary from $4.1 million to $5.2 million, a hefty $1.2 million boost. This shows how much they value Captain America and are willing to invest in his future.
Does Pulisic belong in Milan, or is it time to head back to the Premier League spotlight – What would you do in his shoes?
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Should Pulisic stay loyal to AC Milan or chase Premier League glory with Liverpool or Man Utd?
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