NYCFC CEO Confirms Interest in Christian Pulisic, Milan Valuates Player Highly

New York City FC is actively pursuing the acquisition of American star Christian Pulisic, according to club CEO Brad Sims. Sims indicated that the player himself is interested in returning to Major League Soccer and playing in his home country.

“We are convinced that Christian wants to play in MLS and come home,” Sims stated, as reported by amNewYork. “And whenever that happens, we think and hope that New York City will be at the top of his list of teams he would like to play for.”

The midfielder joined AC Milan in 2023 from Chelsea for a reported fee of €20.8 million. His current contract with the Italian club is set to expire in 2027.

Milan’s Valuation a Hurdle

Despite NYCFC’s interest, a significant obstacle appears to be Milan’s valuation of Pulisic. Reports suggest that NYCFC has made an offer of around $10 million for the player, a figure that Milan reportedly deems insufficient.

“If Milan doesn’t want to sell him, then the negotiation is closed,” Sims added, highlighting the club’s pragmatic approach to the potential deal.

Pulisic’s Appeal in MLS

Sims also touched upon Pulisic’s significant appeal within Major League Soccer. “Would we like to have him? Yes. Would any MLS team want to have him? I’m pretty sure the answer would be yes,” he commented, underscoring the player’s status as a marquee talent.

Pulisic, who is 27 years old, has never played in MLS. He moved to Europe at a young age, joining Borussia Dortmund in Germany before his 17th birthday and making his Bundesliga debut shortly thereafter.

Career at Milan

Since his arrival at the San Siro in 2023, Pulisic has made 134 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 42 goals and providing 27 assists. Although he started his most recent season strongly, his goal-scoring form dipped throughout 2026. Despite being a key player for the United States national team, his future with Milan remains a subject of speculation amid interest from his home league.

Key facts

The potential return of a high-profile American player like Pulisic to MLS would undoubtedly generate significant excitement and attention for the league, aligning with its ongoing efforts to attract top talent and increase its global profile. However, the financial aspects of any transfer and Milan’s willingness to part with the player will be critical factors in determining the outcome.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/milan-pulisic-new-york-city-molla-presa-ceo-christian-vuole-giocare-mls-2254484