At present, the European football transfer revolving door is in full swing. Players are looking for new clubs and clubs are looking for new players with massive transfer fees flowing in the opposite direction. With many new confirmed transfers emerging in recent days, it seems that a move for Champions League winner Christian Pulisic could be on the cards.
Official, confirmed. Raheem Sterling joins Chelsea from Manchester City on permanent deal, contract until June 2027 with option for further season. #CFC
First signing of Chelsea new era with Todd Boehly as new owner. pic.twitter.com/K0V9D49DBb— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022
In recent hours, Raheem Sterling announced he will be leaving Manchester City, with most reports agreeing he is exchanging the Etihad for Stamford Bridge. Sterling is a phenomenal winger and could possibly be looking for more playing time to secure his spot on the England roster ahead of the World Cup. This means more competition for Pulisic who has already seemed to be a second thought for Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea have resumed talks with Juventus over a potential swap deal involving Christian Pulisic plus cash for Matthijs de Ligt.
Juventus would prioritise a deal for the USA captain ahead of Chelsea striker Timo Werner who has also been discussed.{Dailymail}
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) June 30, 2022
Rumors have circulated for months of a swap move with Juventus, with young defender Matthijs De Ligt going the other way. This rumor never seemed to have much truth behind it, and yet it remained a constant story in the press for quite some time. With new murmurs of a possible move for De Ligt to Bayern Munich, the deal for Pulisic has been largely forgotten about.
What has popped up in its place is a possible American reunion. Wisconsin native and manager of Leeds United Jesse Marsch has made a habit of bringing high-profile Americans to Elland Road this offseason with midfielders Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams joining their compatriot manager.
Chris Richards could be the next American off to Leeds United https://t.co/BPkTfMsxFO
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 12, 2022
With rumors that Marsch is also interested in bringing American Chris Richards to Leeds, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to imagine he would want Pulisic as well. In addition, Wednesday’s news that Barcelona has somehow scraped together almost $64 million to buy Raphinha means it appears Leeds now has lots of cash and is in need of a world-class winger to replace him.
Raphinha to Barcelona, here we go! Full agreement reached with Leeds after today’s bid accepted: €58m fixed fee plus add-ons up to total €67m package. #FCB
Raphinha only wanted Barça since February and he’s set to sign until June 2027, time for documents and contracts. pic.twitter.com/JtLXCXa03e— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2022
Could we see Pulisic join Leeds? Marsch’s side also just sold Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City, so why not buy Weston McKennie from Juventus? Maybe help Barcelona financially and pick up Sergiño Dest as well? In fact, just change the whole Leeds badge to red, white and blue and move the team to New York.
Americans at Leeds United pic.twitter.com/T0Nwtg7oVn
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 4, 2022
While there is much room for hyperbole, it is true that Pulisic deserves good playing time. For attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League, Pulisic ranks among the best in non-penalty goals per 90, non-penalty expected goals per 90 and progressive passes received per 90.
While leaving Chelsea would absolutely be a step down for Pulisic, he would get much more playing time and be able to develop and play in a system that more fits his play style. Rather than sit behind Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and now Sterling, Pulisic would consistently start alongside Aaronson and Adams. With the World Cup months away, playing with other Americans at the club level while still staying in the Premier League might not be a terrible idea.
