NYCFC Seeks Christian Pulisic as AC Milan Holds Firm

Interest from New York City FC

New York City FC president Brad Sims voiced a clear desire to bring Christian Pulisic to MLS, telling reporters at a league event that every one of his 29 counterparts would welcome the American star. Sims emphasized that NYCFC believes Pulisic would rank the club highly on his list of preferred destinations if he ever decides to return home. The club’s overture, however, faces a roadblock: AC Milan has shown no interest in selling the top American talent.

Pulisic’s MLS Ambitions and Contract Situation

The 28‑year‑old attacking midfielder is currently in the fourth season of a five‑year contract with AC Milan, having previously established himself at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea. Pulisic’s agent has indicated the player wants to play in MLS and be closer to his native Hershey, Pennsylvania. If Milan does not release him, Sims acknowledged, the possibility of a move to NYCFC becomes “dead in the water.” That means the timeline for any transfer hinges on Milan’s willingness to part with him.

On‑Field Stats and Recent Struggles

Pulisic has recorded 33 goals in 90 international appearances for the United States, but his recent club form has been uneven. He netted 10 goals in his first 15 games for AC Milan last season before embarking on a career‑worst scoreless streak, going 19 games without a goal after Dec. 28. His World Cup experience was marked by no goals and a single assist, compounded by a right‑leg fracture that forced an early exit from the round‑of‑16 loss to Belgium.

What It Means for the MLS Landscape

The speculation surrounding Pulisic’s potential move underscores MLS’s ongoing quest to attract marquee American talent. While NYCFC’s interest signals a growing ambition to field top‑tier players, the broader league will likely need to wait for Milan’s internal decisions. Should Pulisic eventually return to the U.S., his MLS impact could elevate both his new club and the league’s profile on the global stage.

Key Figures at a Glance

• Christian Pulisic – 33 goals, 90 caps for the U.S.
• Age – 28 (turns 28 in September)
• Current clubs – AC Milan (four‑year into five‑year deal)
• Scoreless streak – 19 games after Dec. 28
• NYCFC – Expressed strong interest via president Brad Sims