According to The Athletic, Leeds and Newcastle target Christian Pulisic is disappointed after Chelsea denied him a loan exit.
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that Jesse Marsch wants the United States international at Elland Road on loan, while Eddie Howe is also interested in signing the Chelsea No.10 on a temporary basis at Newcastle.
Pulisic has struggled for game time under Thomas Tuchel, and is said to be “very, very” keen to leave Stamford Bridge to find somewhere he would receive regular first-team football.
However, new American owner Todd Boehly blocked any potential loan exit in favour of keeping the 23-year-old in west London, which is said to have upset the £60m man.
The Athletic add that Pulisic was even willing to sign a contract extension to make the Blues feel more comfortable about a loan move.
As things stand, the American only has two years left on his current terms, so one unsuccessful loan this year – without a contract extension – would see his value plummet in 2023, when he would have just 12 months left on his deal.
Pulisic has only played 72 minutes of Premier League football this season across four appearances, with Raheem Sterling preferred out on the left flank.
Christian Pulisic must push for Leeds or Newcastle loan
In our view, Pulisic needs to kick up a fuss and force an exit if he really is disappointed by Boehly’s stance.
The £150,000-a-week man is far too good to be sitting on Chelsea’s bench every week, and with the World Cup in November fast approaching, he needs regular action to build up his match fitness.
If Marsch or Howe are to have any chance of signing Pulisic on loan before the September 1st deadline, they will need help from the Hershey-born attacker.
The situation seems bleak for Leeds and Newcastle, but it is incredibly risky for Chelsea to keep an unhappy player.
Tuchel risks upsetting the harmony and balance of his squad if he keeps Pulisic against his will, so keep an eye on this situation – we could still see further developments yet.
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