Shaka Hislop has urged Christian Pulisic not to join Newcastle United from Chelsea because he ‘doesn’t understand’ how the Manchester United transfer target will earn minutes at St James’ Park, as he told ESPN.
The former Newcastle United goalkeeper pointed out that the USA international wants to leave Chelsea in order to earn more minutes, but shared how Eddie Howe’s side are now ‘settled’ and have been playing well ‘all year long’.
Ahead of the January transfer window opening, Pulisic is the subject of strong transfer interest, including Erik ten Hag keen on bringing the £58 million versatile forward to Old Trafford.
Despite the possibility of Pulisic playing second fiddle to one of the form players in the Premier League right now – Miguel Almiron – there are now suggestions that he could be tempted with a possible move to the European chasers, despite Arsenal interest.
Whatever happens, it does seem as though the 24-year-old has some big calls to make ahead of the winter window and Hislop was pretty clear about what needs to happen.
“I totally understand Christian Pulisic wanting to move,” said Hislop. “I don’t necessarily understand the need for Newcastle United. Although, I have learned not to question Eddie Howe, who he brings in and how he makes those players a part of his system.
“As you look at Newcastle in those positions, you have Almiron who is having the season of his career. You have Joelinton. You have Willock. You also have Isak to come back, who can play anywhere along that front three.
“So, all of a sudden, there is a lot of competition for very few spots. The concern or complaint of Christian Pulisic was that he simply wasn’t getting enough game time at Chelsea. You come into a Newcastle side that’s settled and has played well all calendar year long. Does he find himself in a similar position?
“If I am advising Christian Pulisic, that is my concern going into Newcastle United.”
NEWCASTLE SHOULD PUSH FOR PULISIC
This is the type of signing that fits Newcastle’s profile and increases their chances of securing those all-important European places at the end of the season.
Someone like Allan Saint-Maximin has been injured for large parts of the season, yet he hasn’t been missed.
That’s proof of how much this team is evolving under Howe and someone like Pulisic would just provide that added bite and depth.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
