New York City FC openly covets Christian Pulisic but acknowledges AC Milan’s unwillingness to sell, leaving any MLS move unlikely for now. NYCFC president Brad Sims says Pulisic would be welcomed back to the U.S., but Milan’s stance and the attacker’s recovery from injury make a transfer improbable in the near term.
NYCFC Interested in Christian Pulisic; AC Milan Says No
New York City FC has made no secret it would like Christian Pulisic in MLS, but the club concedes AC Milan is not prepared to part with the U.S. international. That blunt reality leaves NYCFC—and the league—hoping more than negotiating.
Brad Sims: MLS would welcome Pulisic, but Milan holds the cards
NYCFC president Brad Sims emphasized the near-universal appetite for Pulisic across MLS, saying most clubs would want the American star. Sims was candid that if AC Milan refuses to sell, plans are effectively "dead in the water," underlining that any return hinges on Milan’s willingness, not MLS desire.
Pulisic’s profile: form, fitness and contract
Christian Pulisic, 27 (turning 28 in September), is under contract with AC Milan, entering the fourth year of a five-year deal. He arrived in Italy after spells at Borussia Dortmund (2016–19) and Chelsea (2019–23). His international record stands at 33 goals in 90 caps for the USMNT.
Recent performance and World Cup concerns
Pulisic began last season strongly for AC Milan, scoring 10 goals in his first 15 appearances. That promising form evaporated after December 28, as he endured a 19-game goal drought—his longest at club level. At the World Cup he failed to score and registered one assist, while injuries disrupted his campaign; he missed a U.S. game, exited two others early, and left the Round of 16 loss to Belgium with a fractured right leg.
What this means for MLS and New York City FC
Pulisic’s potential return would be a marquee moment for MLS—boosting visibility, ticket sales and the league’s global profile. For NYCFC specifically, signing a domestic star of Pulisic’s caliber would align with ambitions on and off the field. Sims’ public comments function as both invitation and positioning: they signal readiness without creating false expectation.
Short-term prospects
Short term, the transfer outlook is constrained. AC Milan’s reluctance, combined with Pulisic’s recovery and inconsistent finish to last season, decreases the likelihood of an immediate move. MLS should monitor the situation, but impatience won’t change Milan’s plans.
Outlook and possible scenarios
If Pulisic regains peak form and Milan’s priorities shift—due to coaching change, squad needs, or contract dynamics—a move to MLS could become realistic within the next 12–24 months. Until then, NYCFC and the league remain hopeful observers rather than active suitors.
Why it matters
A Pulisic-to-MLS narrative tests the league’s maturation: attracting top U.S. talent home requires both competitive offers and roster windows that align with European clubs’ strategies.
For Pulisic, the decision will balance playing time, recovery, and where he believes he can best progress his career and impact the USMNT.
Sportsnet
