‘I think he goes’: Pundit thinks West Ham move would suit £60m Chelsea star

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Craig Burley has told ESPN that he thinks Chelsea star Christian Pulisic could end up at London neighbours West Ham this summer – with the American desperately in need of some game time ahead of the World Cup.

Pulisic, 23, started just 13 Premier League games during 2021-22. The Blues are said to be closing in on the signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha, and also want Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling.

With Pulisic’s game time already limited, the signings of even one of those two players has got to convince Chelsea’s no.10 to consider a move. He will want to be fit and firing when the World Cup comes around.

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Speaking on ESPN, ex-Arsenal man Burley suggests West Ham as a possible landing spot for 50-time USA international Pulisic. A player that cost Chelsea a huge £60million (New York Times) back in January 2019.

“If he’s got a brain in his head and a good agent, he goes in and speaks to the club, to Tuchel, lay the cards out – I want to play, I’ve got the World Cup coming up. If I’m not going to play, I want to move on,” Burley said, on Pulisic.

“I think he goes to a club that sits just below where Chelsea are. I’m not saying they’re going to sign him. But West Ham, punching above their weight, ambitious. That’s where I see him going to get some consistency.”

Burley: Chelsea star Pulisic could end up at West Ham

What a signing Pulisic would be for West Ham. But a potential move is fraught with stumbling blocks. The first being, would Chelsea really want to let Pulisic join West Ham – given the Hammers are potential top-four rivals?

The second, is would the Hammers be able to afford him. Costing £60million, he might go for less but he is still a “fantastic” player with huge quality. A loan deal might even be expensive – Chelsea’s demands might be a lot.

But Pulisic needs game time and Chelsea, if they sign Raphinha and/or Sterling, will need to consider Pulisic’s future. A loan might be ideal, to a club playing in London, fighting for the top six and in Europe.