Christian Pulisic should leave Chelsea and join Newcastle United this summer.
That is the view of USA legend Alexi Lalas. The former MLS defender spoke about Pulisic’s future on his latest podcast, and discussed a possible move to St James’ Park.
The Magpies are reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old on loan. He is one of four Chelsea players who Newcastle are keen on, alongside Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Pulisic is arguably the most exciting name linked, and bringing him to Tyneside could be a real game-changing addition. However, there are a few issues.
His wages might be a problem, as Pulisic currently earns £150,000-a-week at Chelsea. Any loan bid would be dependent on what percentage the Blues would be willing to cover.
The other issue surrounds whether or not Pulisic wants to move to Newcastle. There have been no reports suggesting he does, and no reports suggesting he doesn’t.
Now Lalas has commented on the speculation, and thinks it could be a good move for him.
Lalas explains why Pulisic should join Newcastle
The 52-year-old has a podcast called The State Of The Union, and he discussed Pulisic possibly joining Newcastle on the latest episode.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily that he wants to go,” he said.
“But if he is going to go, with what Newcastle is and more importantly what Newcastle is aiming to be, I actually think that’s a pretty good move.
“I think that would be really interesting to be involved in the rising of the once great Newcastle.”
It would be a good move for both parties
From a Newcastle perspective, getting Pulisic would be fantastic. He’s a wonderful footballer who perhaps just isn’t at the right club. He hasn’t always had consistent minutes at Stamford Bridge, with injuries and competition for places hindering him.
But he would surely be a guaranteed starter at St James’ Park. And we would suddenly be a lot more dangerous in attack with him on one wing and Allan Saint-Maximin on the other.
It would be a good move commercially too. Signing Pulisic would certainly increase our popularity in America.
As for Pulisic, Lalas has explained why it could be a good move for him. Newcastle is the place to be right now. We are heading in the right direction, and the owners have special plans to take us even further.
The players who have already signed for Newcastle are treated like heroes. Pulisic would get the same reception. In contrast, he just feels like another number at Chelsea.
It will be very special if the Magpies can sign Pulisic. And any deal already has the Alexi Lalas seal of approval.