As Newcastle United looks to participate in the Champions League in the 2023-24 season, the Magpies have expressed the desire to grow the team’s offensive production.
One player they could target is Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic, who led Team USA in the FIFA World Cup this past winter. But, does Newcastle have a strong enough pull to bring him to a Premier League contender?
The USA International has had a lackluster career with the Blues since joining them in the 2019-2020 season. Through four seasons he’s amassed 20 goals and 9 assists, with his most disappointing season being the current 2022-23 campaign.
Through 21 Premier League matches, he’s been barely utilized and only contributed one goal and one assist, showing that his previous marks were much more impressive.
Prior to his career with Chelsea, he played with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. That is where he began his career with the youth academy, before progressing his way onto the senior squad. With them, he scored 13 goals over the course of four seasons.
However, through both Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund a constant obstacle to overcome was trust.
Pulisic was never handed the reigns of an offense, let alone the confidence to be the set-in-stone starter for either team.
In recent months, Chelsea has practically removed him from every aspect of their offense. When he does get the opportunity to play it is towards the end of contests, or in spurts that do not allow him to get settled into the game.
His current deal with the Blues expires at the end of next season meaning that they must come to a decision on his future with the club soon.
For a young 24-year-old in the prime of his career, he just needs an opportunity to truly shine as a starter. Fortunately, that is something that Newcastle United could offer to him.
A player with such poise should be given the chance to fully grasp a team.
As Newcastle continues to flush their wingers in and out of the team’s starting rotation, the much-needed opportunity could be there for a player like Pulisic.
This season both starting wingers, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin have been dealt with injury blows, and Saint-Maximin has been unable to find consistent footing. With that being said, Pulisic could fill that void and instantly bolster the offense.
His world-class dribbling abilities and explosive speed are something that could match what Saint-Maximin provided but at a higher standard.
Especially with his known leadership with Team USA, he could help a growing locker room stay comfortable under the pressure and stress of the Champions League next season.
So, what does his value sit at?
Currently, according to transfermarkt, he is sitting at a value of just €20-30 million, which is drastically lower than his career-best of €62 million.
That worth can be easily matched by Newcastle United this offseason and should be something the team takes into account when evaluating their options.
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Still only 24 years of age, Pulisic has plenty to offer to any club that is able to get their hands on him this coming offseason. While he does need to turn his career around, a team has to give him the opportunity to do so.
But, will Newcastle United be that team?