‘He failed’: £19m star Newcastle wanted dubbed a ‘bust’ as he exits Premier League stage

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Stevie Nicol says Christian Pulisic ‘failed’ at Chelsea after the Newcastle United transfer target joined AC Milan.

Not just this summer, but in previous transfer windows, there were suggestions that Eddie Howe’s side were keen on the Chelsea winger.

But despite that interest, a move didn’t materialise for the 24-year-old, who Liverpool legend Nicol thinks was a ‘bust’ given what he produced at Stamford Bridge, as he told ESPN.

Whilst Christian Pulisic couldn’t stay away from the treatment room, he also couldn’t cement a regular starting place and that’s down to him.

From Frank Lampard to Thomas Tuchel, many managers passed at Chelsea, yet none of them could get a tune out of the American.

That’s why it was the right call for the player to secure a £19 million move to AC Milan (Eurosport), with Nicol slamming the suggestions that he faired well in the Premier League.

“Is there any chance we can get realistic here,” asked Nicol. “What has it got to do with where he comes from and whether he was any good or not? It has got nothing to do with it. Nothing!

“How is it a pass (grade for Pulisic’s time at Chelsea) when the club have lost £50 million from when this guy signed to when he left? Nobody is going to argue that he hasn’t got the ability.

“But if we are going to answer the question of ‘was he a success at Chelsea?’ It’s a big fat no. No chance. And this classic, I love this classic quote, ‘Well, he didn’t play enough. He didn’t get enough time’. 

“Please tell me whose fault it was he didn’t get enough time if it wasn’t his. Injuries, yes. Playing time, who is that down to? Did he not get playing time because he was so good that they just didn’t like him? I don’t care how good you are. He failed. Does he have talent? 100%. Would he do well at Milan and reboot? I am sure we will. He was a bust at Chelsea.”

Pulisic needed a fresh start

The USMNT international does have a Champions League medal to his name, including scoring crucial goals during the knockout stages on their way to adding European Cup number two to their cabinet.

But that’s all he could really smile about, perhaps adding in his stunning hat-trick against Burnley a number of years ago.

This move to Milan was needed because Pulisic needed a fresh start. One thing is for sure, he can longer have any excuses if he doesn’t start to show some signs of consistency or form in Serie A.