In football, the past is never truly gone, and Chelsea’s possible pursuit of Pulisic could be one of the most fascinating storylines of the winter transfer window.
Chelsea FC’s ongoing pursuit of reinforcements has recently taken a dramatic
turn, with reports emerging that the club is “very interested” in bringing back
a £70 million player who was previously deemed surplus to requirements by
former manager Thomas Tuchel. This potential move could not only reshape
Chelsea’s squad but also signal a shift in their recruitment strategy under
current head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The player in question? None other
than Christian Pulisic.
A Stellar Departure: Why Tuchel Let Pulisic Go.
Christian Pulisic, once hailed as the “Captain America” of Chelsea, arrived at
Stamford Bridge in 2019 with huge expectations after an impressive stint at
Borussia Dortmund. However, despite flashes of brilliance, his Chelsea career
has been marred by inconsistency and injuries. When Tuchel took over at
Chelsea, Pulisic’s playing time became even more limited.
Tuchel, known for his tactical flexibility and preference for a well-organized,
high-pressing system, found it difficult to incorporate Pulisic into his plans.
The winger’s defensive shortcomings and inability to adapt quickly to Tuchel’s
demands led to him being a peripheral figure under the German manager.
Ultimately, after a couple of seasons of limited appearances, Pulisic was sold to
Serie A side AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £22 million,
well below the £70 million Chelsea had initially paid for him in 2019.
Pulisic’s Resurgence in Italy.
Since his move to Milan, Pulisic has shown glimpses of the player who dazzled
in Dortmund. His performances in Italy have rekindled the interest of several
top clubs, including his former employers, Chelsea. At Milan, the American
winger has impressed with his pace, dribbling, and ability to create
opportunities for his teammates. His versatility—capable of playing across the
attack—has made him a key figure in Milan’s offensive lineup.
Although Pulisic hasn’t been entirely free from injury setbacks, his
performances have been encouraging, with the winger contributing goals and
assists to Milan’s Serie A campaign. His value has noticeably increased, and
with the Blues still in need of reinforcements on the wing, Pulisic has emerged
as a potential target for his old club.
Chelsea’s Need for Wide Attackers.
Under Pochettino, Chelsea has undergone a significant tactical overhaul,
focusing on high-intensity attacking football. However, the team’s wide areas
remain a concern, with players like Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk
still struggling to find their best form. Sterling, who was brought in as a
marquee signing, has yet to fully justify his price tag, while Mudryk’s
inconsistent performances have left fans and analysts questioning his long-
term role at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s attacking struggles are compounded by the fact that the club let go of
several players, including Pulisic, in an attempt to streamline their squad.
Despite these moves, there remains a lack of natural width and creativity in
the final third. Pulisic’s ability to beat defenders, deliver dangerous crosses,
and link up play would provide Pochettino with a much-needed attacking
option on the flanks.
Financial Considerations: Can Chelsea Afford Pulisic’s Return?
Chelsea’s spending spree over the past few seasons has seen the club sign
numerous players, making their financial strategy more complex. However,
with Pulisic’s value dropping since his departure, it is believed that Chelsea
could secure his return for a fee lower than the £70 million they initially paid
for him. Reports suggest that Milan could be willing to part ways with the
American star for a sum between £30 million and £40 million, a fee that
would be more manageable for Chelsea, especially considering their need for
additional squad depth.
Furthermore, Pulisic’s potential return could help offset some of Chelsea’s
earlier financial outlays. With the club in the midst of a rebuild, the prospect of
bringing back a familiar face who can contribute immediately may appeal to
both the board and Pochettino, as the team aims to compete in the Premier
League and Europe once again.
Conclusion: A Sensible Move or a Step Back?
While it remains to be seen whether a deal will come to fruition, the prospect
of bringing Christian Pulisic back to Chelsea certainly has its merits. The
winger’s revival in Italy suggests that he still has plenty to offer at the top level,
and Chelsea’s need for width and creativity in attack makes him an intriguing
option. Whether or not Pochettino sees Pulisic as the right fit for his system
will be key, but Chelsea’s renewed interest in a player once let go by Tuchel
speaks volumes about their current priorities and the direction they wish to
take.
