Liverpool Keep Close Eyes On This Former Chelsea Attacker Amid Contract Conundrum: Should They Sign Him As A Squad Option? | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from renowned Italian journalist Nicolo Schira is true, Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Christian Pulisic, who could be on the move in the summer window. AC Milan have him tied down at San Siro until next year, with an option to extend his stay till 2028. However, the USMNT skipper was expecting an improved contract offer from the Rossoneri, which has not happened since his €22m switch from Chelsea in July 2023.

The 27-year-old attacker began his academy spell in England with Brackley Town before returning to his homeland. After progressing through the ranks of Michigan Rush and PA Classics, Pulisic plied his trade in Germany, joining Borussia Dortmund during Jurgen Klopp’s final few months at Signal Iduna Park.

Rise In Europe

Meanwhile, he eventually earned a key first-team status under Thomas Tuchel, Peter Bosz and Lucien Favre till the conclusion of the 2018-19 season. He was off to a flying start at Chelsea following a sensational  £58m transfer, becoming pivotal to their 2020-21 UEFA Champions League triumph upon his reunion with Tuchel at Stamford Bridge. A decline in form after Tuchel’s dismissal reduced his gametime, leading to the Milan move.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JULY 22: Joe Gomez of Liverpool and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble/Pool via Getty Images)

Pulisic has since revived his rhythm in Italy, making 50 appearances in each of his past two campaigns. With 42 goals and 25 assists in 120 games so far, the versatile attacking ace has proved his worth once again [stats via Transfermarket]. Although his previous tenure in England was not impressive enough (26 goals and 21 assists in 145 outings), the flexibility he offers across the frontline must have caught the attention of the Liverpool hierarchy.

Why He Should Be Snapped Up To Improve Bench Strength

While he has often been deployed as a centre-forward or a second striker at AC Milan, his pace and dribbling from the flanks and the creative spark as a ‘number 10’ would make him a utility option in Merseyside. The Reds have largely been without record-signing Alexander Isak due to injury, but the decision to rely on Cody Gakpo as the first-choice left-winger after Luis Diaz’s exit has massively backfired. Mohamed Salah is a shadow of his earlier self, and despite Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike showing their mastery in and around the attacking third, the lack of flair from the flanks has derailed their campaign.

Pulisic could be a market opportunity given his contract conundrum, but Liverpool should only bring him in as a squad player to enhance bench strength for the next couple of years. The focus must be on bolstering both wings with top signings, and the American might be an upgrade to Federico Chiesa, who is expected to part ways for regular minutes. Although he does not fall in the age bracket of the club’s transfer model, an immediate, high-leverage impact like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Xherdan Shaqiri would bring the champions back to the title race.