Newcastle United wanted Christian Pulisic to leave Chelsea during the summer and head to Tyneside, but the American remained in London.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes the 24-year-old could be tempted to join the Magpies if a good offer comes his way.
Pulisic was one of four Chelsea players who Newcastle looked at in the summer. Eddie Howe wanted one of Pulisic, Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja or Callum Hudson-Odoi on loan.
In the end, none of them headed to St James’ Park. And the reason Pulisic didn’t is because Newcastle’s loan offer didn’t include an obligation to buy.
That meant he remained at Stamford Bridge, where a lot has changed.
Thomas Tuchel has been replaced by Graham Potter, who intends to give Pulisic the chance to save his Chelsea career. He made a decent start on Saturday, setting up the Blues’ winner away to Crystal Palace. However, he had to do it by coming off the bench.
Appearances as a substitute aren’t going to be enough for Pulisic though, who has a very important World Cup on the horizon. And Jacobs thinks the tournament in Qatar could influence his future.
Jacobs on Pulisic possibly leaving Chelsea for Newcastle
The journalist has spoken to Give Me Sport. He has discussed Pulisic’s future at Chelsea, and believes a move to Newcastle is possible if the stars align.
“I think if Newcastle made the right offer, that could be very tempting to Pulisic,” Jacobs said.
“But he’s one of the players that the World Cup is really going to influence now because he’s stuck at Chelsea until the World Cup.
“If he then doesn’t have the best World Cup, he might feel shunned down the pecking order even further at Chelsea and then think, ‘okay, it’s better I just leave’.
“But if he has a great World Cup, then I think Chelsea wouldn’t want to get rid of him in January and will be more bullish about the situation.
“He’s playing under a new manager in Graham Potter who can galvanise him too. So that whole culture in the dressing room, from Pulisic’s point of view, has changed.”
Pulisic would be a great Newcastle signing, but deal would be tough
While a poor World Cup might push Pulisic towards the Chelsea exit, a move to Newcastle would still be extremely difficult.
Given how Eddie Howe’s side are performing and the upwards trajectory of the club, a move to the North East would surely appeal. However, it may take a huge financial outlay.
Firstly, Chelsea won’t want to lose him on the cheap. He cost them £58million in 2019. And they would seemingly rather lose him permanently, even if that includes an initial loan.
How much would it cost Newcastle to bring him to St James’ Park? Given the premium we have been charged since the change of ownership, he could be one of the new owners’ most expensive signings.
And even if a fee can be agreed, wages could also be a problem. Pulisic reportedly earns £150,000-a-week at Chelsea. In contrast, Newcastle’s highest earner Kieran Trippier takes home £100,000-a-week.
It’s hard to see Pulisic lowering his wages to move to Newcastle, while it’s also unlikely that the Magpies will smash their wage structure to bring him in.
While a good offer might tempt Pulisic to join Newcastle, it’s difficult to see that kind of offer be forthcoming.
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