MLS transfer or AC Milan stay? Christian Pulisic's future decided

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Tom Weber | Writer

AC Milan and United States men's national team star Christian Pulisic is set to end the long-running speculation over his future imminently.

The 28-year-old has been with the Rossoneri since 2023, but there has been uncertainty over his long-term role at the club for more than a year now. Pulisic started the previous season strongly and reportedly desired a new contract, but this wasn't forthcoming at the time.

Milan felt they had bigger fish to fry - such as convincing captain Mike Maignan to stay - and were in no rush to hold talks with the winger. This sparked rumours of discontent, which only grew louder as the club's season went off the rails, while the attacker's personal form fell off a cliff.

Pulisic failed to score a single goal after the turn of the year and contributed to Milan's embarrassing end to the season as they went from looking set to comfortably qualify for the Champions League to missing out on the final day.

The club's entire sporting leadership was dismissed as a result, which only further delayed contract negotiations. Despite Pulisic's poor form, there were tentative rumours of a possible Premier League return, while key figures in Major League Soccer thought they could bring him back to the US.

Pulisic decision made

There was an expectation that MLS would massively benefit from the World Cup on home soil and not only experience a significant boost in popularity but also be able to attract high-profile players, including USMNT stars like Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

That was wishful thinking. The league failed to properly capitalize on the interest generated by the tournament and only managed to bring in a few ageing European superstars who would also have come without a World Cup.

New York City FC and other MLS franchises showed an interest in Pulisic over the summer, but Milan made it clear that they wanted to keep him. New Rossoneri coach Ruben Amorim was adamant that the 28-year-old would have a big role to play in his new-look team.

He reiterated this in September when Pulisic was on the verge of returning to full fitness after his two World Cup injuries. "I really like Pulisic; he's an important player and he'll play a lot," Amorim insisted.

The American has featured in all but one game since his manager said this. He has started Milan's last four matches in Serie A, but has only been a substitute in the Europa League. He did not get on the pitch during Milan's humiliating defeat to Bournemouth last week.

Pulisic ended his months-long scoring drought for Milan against Lecce last month and bagged his second goal of the season against Udinese at the weekend. He is still enjoying life in Italy, as he confirmed earlier this month when he revealed that he remained keen on a new contract.

"I'm very happy at Milan," Pulisic, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, said. "The club is giving me everything. It's helped me a lot. Now I'm focused on playing. We'll talk about it [the contract], hopefully soon. I feel really good, and I hope to stay at Milan."

According to reporters Matteo Moretto and Nicolo Schira, Pulisic will get his wish. The winger is believed to be on the verge of signing a new long-term contract that will keep him at Milan until 2031.

Schira claims that Pulisic's annual salary will be raised from €4.5 million to €6m. NYCFC had offered him an "amazing" €10m-per-season contract this summer, but with Milan unwilling to engage, the MLS club ended up with Benie Traore instead, who has been a huge disappointment.

Pulisic's extension has effectively ruled out a move back stateside for the foreseeable future. Unless there are dramatic changes at Milan - which admittedly can't be entirely ruled out given the club's recent history - the 28-year-old won't be heading home next year.

MLS will have to wait a little while longer for Pulisic to become the new face of the league.