Christian Pulisic turned down a move to Manchester United in 2019, but he could soon find himself playing alongside one of the club's biggest stars.
US international Pulisic was targeted by numerous Premier League clubs in the January transfer window six years ago – with the Red Devils and Chelsea among those hoping to take the now 26-year-old to the English top flight. And while Pulisic could have ended up in the North West if fate had other plans, he ignored Old Trafford in favor of Stamford Bridge.
Pulisic was reportedly put off by the management style of Portuguese mastermind Jose Mourinho at the time, and there were suspicions that he was unwilling to bring in younger players. Speaking to The Telegraph in 2019, Robin Walker – who has remained close to Pulisic since coaching him as a youth player at Brackley Town – explained: “I'm a Chelsea fan, I grew up in London and supported them.
“When I was in Dortmund last year I told him he had to come. He wouldn't go to Manchester United because of Jose Mourinho. His father couldn't stand Mourinho because he didn't promote young players. At that point I asked: ” What about London?'
“I was trying to sell the city. His agent agreed and said, 'When you make these decisions, it's all about investments and real estate.' I was thrilled he signed.” Instead of joining the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba, Pulisic looked to fill the void left by Eden Hazard at Chelsea following the Belgian's move to Real Madrid.
The winger scored 26 goals and provided 19 assists for the Blues in 145 appearances, but ultimately failed to fill the shoes of the ever-impressive Hazard. He joined AC Milan for £20 million in July 2023 and has since impressed under Stefano Pioli, Paulo Foncesca and Sergio Conceicao.
And while he didn't get the chance to play in the same side as Rashford during his Premier League days, the two men could soon hit the ground running at the San Siro. That's because Rashford's representatives have held talks with Milan over a possible loan for the Manchester United striker.
Rashford's future in the North West has been uncertain for some time, with the 27-year-old – who has spent his entire professional career at United – facing criticism over his body language and inconsistent performances. Rashford also broke through the ranks last month by declaring he is ready to leave the club and take on a 'new challenge'.
The England star said: “I'm halfway through my career. I don't expect my peak to be now. I've had nine years in the Premier League so far and that's taught me a lot, that's helped me grow as a player .” player and as a person, so I have no regrets about the past nine years.”
Dwaine Maynard, Rashford's brother and agent, reportedly flew to Milan on Tuesday to hold talks with Serie A's head of recruitment. However, Pulisic himself could pose problems when it comes to Rashford's success with the team, as well as the highly regarded Rafael Leao, who plays on the left.
Pulisic plays mainly on the right side, but can play behind the forward as well as on the left side and would undoubtedly earn a starting spot above Rashford in current form. However, Milan currently appear the most likely destination for the 27-year-old, having already rejected three mega-money offers from Saudi Arabian clubs worth £35 million.
Elsewhere, The Athletic reports that Borussia Dortmund are interested in exploring the possibility of signing Rashford until the end of the season. The Bundesliga giants previously revived Jadon Sancho's career as he found himself in a similar position to Rashford as he struggled for game time. Sancho shone back at the German club, eventually earning him a summer move to Chelsea, where he continued to impress.
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