Manchester United’s interest in Christian Pulisic has sparked a fresh transfer battle with Premier League rivals Liverpool, as both clubs look to secure the signature of the former Chelsea star.
Pulisic, who joined Chelsea in 2019 for a reported £58 million, struggled to live up to expectations in his early years at Stamford Bridge. However, since making the move to AC Milan in the summer of 2023, the American winger has enjoyed a resurgence in form that has reignited interest from top clubs across Europe.
Pulisic’s time at Chelsea was marked by flashes of brilliance but also by periods of inconsistency. Despite contributing 26 goals and 19 assists in 145 appearances, he was often relegated to a role on the periphery of the starting XI. His inability to secure a regular place in the lineup left many wondering if the £58 million fee Chelsea paid for him had been justified. As a result, Pulisic sought a fresh start in Serie A, leaving the Premier League behind to join AC Milan on a deal that has proven to be a masterstroke for both him and the club.
In his first season with Milan, Pulisic has been a revelation. The 26-year-old has netted seven goals and provided five assists in just 15 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most exciting talents. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Milan fans already lauding him as one of their standout performers. Pulisic’s ability to influence games has been evident, even in high-profile encounters such as the Champions League match against Liverpool, where he scored despite Milan’s 3-1 loss.
This revitalized form has not only boosted Pulisic’s confidence but has also put him firmly back on the radar of Premier League clubs. Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly in a tug-of-war for the winger, both clubs keen to add his pace and creativity to their attacking arsenals. United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, are said to be particularly keen on Pulisic, viewing him as an exciting signing to help bolster their attack. However, they will face stiff competition from Liverpool, who have been linked with the player as a long-term replacement for their own attacking talisman, Mohamed Salah.
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Sources indicate that United’s interest in Pulisic is part of a broader plan to strengthen their squad in the upcoming January transfer window. Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford following a tumultuous period for the club, is reportedly being given funds to bring in new players. With the team’s attacking options underperforming this season, Pulisic’s arrival could be a welcome boost. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have both shown flashes of potential, but neither has been consistent enough to warrant a guaranteed starting spot. Antony’s future at United also remains uncertain, with the Brazilian winger failing to live up to expectations since his arrival from Ajax.
Liverpool, for their part, have also been monitoring Pulisic’s progress, with the player’s name repeatedly mentioned in connection with a move to Anfield. The Reds’ interest in Pulisic has grown as they begin to plan for life after Salah, whose future at the club remains a topic of speculation. Pulisic’s versatility across the forward line makes him an ideal candidate to help fill the void should Salah leave in the future, although Milan are unlikely to part with their in-form winger without a significant offer.
Reports suggest that both Manchester United and Liverpool could be looking at a fee in the region of €65 million to secure Pulisic’s services. While this figure may seem steep for a mid-season move, it is not out of reach for either club. Milan, for their part, are believed to be keen to hold onto their star player, especially given his recent contributions. However, with a sizeable offer on the table, Milan may be forced to consider a sale.
The price tag may present a challenge for both clubs, as United and Liverpool will need to assess whether such an investment makes sense in the middle of the season. United, in particular, could be wary of committing such a large sum to a player who has yet to prove himself consistently in the Premier League. Nonetheless, Pulisic’s form in Serie A, coupled with his experience at top-level clubs, could make him a worthwhile gamble for either side.
United’s need for attacking reinforcements is becoming increasingly urgent. Despite the promising talent of Garnacho and Rashford, the lack of consistency from both players has left United’s forward line lacking a clinical edge. Pulisic, with his pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, would add a much-needed spark to the Red Devils’ attack. Moreover, with the future of Antony still uncertain, Pulisic could offer a much-needed upgrade in the wide positions, allowing Amorim to experiment with different attacking combinations.
As for Liverpool, the departure of Salah, should it happen, could leave a huge gap in their attack. Pulisic, who is comfortable playing on either wing, would offer the flexibility and attacking threat that Jurgen Klopp values in his wingers. Although Liverpool have a wealth of attacking options, the American international’s technical ability and flair could provide the Reds with a new dimension in their attacking play.
With competition heating up between the two Premier League giants, it remains to be seen where Pulisic’s future lies. Milan may be reluctant to sell, particularly given the winger’s pivotal role in their current campaign. However, the lure of the Premier League could be enough to convince Pulisic to make a return to England, where he previously struggled to find his footing. Both Manchester United and Liverpool will be hoping that their offers are enough to tempt Milan into parting with the winger.
While Pulisic’s future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: his time at AC Milan has been a career-defining one. After struggling to find consistency at Chelsea, Pulisic has rediscovered his best form in Italy, and both United and Liverpool will be hoping to capitalize on his rebirth as a player. Whether or not the Serie A club is willing to let go of their star player remains to be seen, but Pulisic’s next move will undoubtedly be one of the most high-profile transfers of the upcoming window.
In the meantime, Manchester United’s transfer activity will not stop with Pulisic. The club is also facing uncertainty regarding the future of several players, most notably Christian Eriksen, whose contract situation is expected to be resolved in the coming months. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Eriksen is expected to leave United at the end of the season, with no ongoing negotiations for a new deal. This potential departure could further impact United’s approach in the transfer market, as Amorim looks to reshape the squad to his liking.
The coming January transfer window promises to be an exciting one for Manchester United, Liverpool, and AC Milan, with Pulisic at the center of the action. Whether he stays in Italy or returns to the Premier League remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the 26-year-old is firmly back on the radar of Europe’s top clubs. As the race to sign him heats up, fans of Manchester United and Liverpool will be watching closely to see who will secure the American star’s signature.
