In a recent interview with Caughtoffside, journalist Ben Jacobs offered an update on the future of Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic. Jacobs said,
“Christian Pulisic is technically available on the market, though Graham Potter has said on the record that he won’t leave in January, and the fact that he got injured until February doesn’t help matters.
“Pulisic didn’t desperately enjoy working under Thomas Tuchel, so a fit Pulisic under a new manager might be able to shine at Chelsea. It could be that this injury will prove a blessing in disguise for Chelsea, because it gives them more time between now and the end of the season to see if they can get the best out of Pulisic.
“There are admirers of course, Newcastle and Manchester United enquired about him in the summer, with the latter quite keen on a loan, but I’ve always been told that Serie A is the more likely destination for Pulisic.
“Juventus have considered him in the past and he even spoke to Weston McKennie about the club, and more recently AC Milan have been linked as well. But we’re looking at a summer exit if Potter is true to his word.”
Pulisic’s Growing Frustrations At West London This Season
Pulisic is having a frustrating season at Stamford Bridge as he has struggled to be consistent with his performances for Chelsea recently. The United States international has found the back of the net once and earned two assists in 21 matches for the Blues during this campaign on all fronts.
The 24-year-old has seen most of his appearances come as a substitute which could be why he is only averaging 0.9 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 83.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Should Chelsea Boss Graham Potter Do With Regards To Pulisic?
Pulisic is a decent dribbler with the ball and can make some quick runs in behind the opponent’s penalty box. He has got the vision to set up some decent chances for his teammates in the final third and can strike the ball with power from long range. However, the United States sensation needs to find a way to be more consistent with his offensive productivity if he wants to taste more success at the highest level.
However, Pulisic has been far too injury prone during his Chelsea career and is currently not a regular starter at Stamford Bridge even if when he is fit and available for selection.
His current contract at the West London club is set to run out in the summer of 2024. Thus, Graham Potter would be wise to cash in on him for a cut-price fee this year rather than lose him as a free agent at the end of next season.
