‘No roads back’ for star man at Chelsea as two sides appear most likely destination

Ciaran McCarthy
Christian Pulisic, Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea, May 2022
Christian Pulisic, Romelu Lukaku in conversation

Eric Wynalda admitted “there are no roads back” to Chelsea for Christian Pulisic, as he named AC Milan and Real Madrid as two of the most likely destinations.

Pulisic’s game time has been severely reduced for a few reasons this season. Firstly, he’s not been performing at close to the level he has shown he’s capable of.

An injury has also hindered his game time. On top of that, the Blues have spent north of £500million in the past two transfer windows and a lot of that money has gone on attackers.

As such, so far this term, Pulisic has started six league games. The fact so many fresh faces have come through the door in the attack of late points to him and some other existing players in a similar position no longer being needed.

A ‘transfer exodus’ has been mooted for the summer, with Pulisic reportedly one of the main names heading for the exit.

A number of big clubs have been linked with his signing. That list includes: Manchester United, Newcastle United, AC Milan and even Real Madrid.

Ex-USA international Wynalda has played down the likelihood of a move to St James’ Park.

“Christian Pulisic has been rumoured to just about every top club in Europe. Newcastle seemed to be the most believable about two months ago but they have slipped a bit and no longer look to be the destination,” he told The Action Network.

“[A move to] Newcastle would be about the money.”

Amid the interest from a few clubs, Wynalda feels one thing is for certain: Pulisic won’t be staying at Chelsea.

“One thing we do know, Chelsea has muddied the waters so severely that there are no roads back to London for Christian Pulisic,” he added.

For the amount of money Pulisic would command, Wynalda feels there a couple of sides have the best chance of snaring him: AC Milan and Real Madrid.

“The number is rumoured to get as high as £49million. The other teams which could be his next home are all fighting for a Champions League spot and will be the determining factor. Those teams are not just in England but, Spain, Germany and Italy,” he said.

“AC Milan is the most interesting for that category who will need to find their form to hold off several storied clubs for the last UCL spot in Italy. If Milan can pull it off, securing a fourth-place finish or higher, they would be his best choice in my opinion.

“Real Madrid have yet to make a clear written offer but if they do they will win this competition for his services. A move back to Germany would be about familiarity.

“Milan would be about the story – Real Madrid would be about the perception. Either way, his new club will make most of the transfer money back in shirt sales. Just don’t ask for the Number 10 this time.”

Indeed, it sounds as if Wynalda expects Pulisic to have his pick from some big sides. After a rough season at Chelsea, the opportunity to show he still has what it takes to play for a big name will be welcome for the attacker.

READ MORE: Pundit identifies Potter’s ‘most trusted’ player at Chelsea who is ‘crucial figure’ in dressing room