Full Breakdown
NYCFC’s Bid for Christian Pulisic Stalls as AC Milan Refuses to Sell
7/17/2026, 6:37:55 AM
NYCFC’s Pursuit of Pulisic
New York City FC announced its interest in acquiring U.S. midfielder Christian Pulisic for Major League Soccer, but confirmed that AC Milan is not willing to entertain a transfer. The club’s president, Brad Sims, said the move would only proceed if Milan released the player, describing the situation as “dead in the water” otherwise.
Pulisic’s Recent Form & Contract Situation
Pulisic, 27, is in the fourth year of a five-year contract with AC Milan that runs through June 2027, with an option to extend a further year. After scoring 10 goals in his first 15 appearances last season, he endured a career-worst 19-game scoreless streak beginning December 28. The U.S. midfielder entered the 2026 World Cup with high expectations but left the round-of-16 loss to Belgium after fracturing his right leg, having missed one of the United States’ five matches and exited two others early due to injuries.
Official Statements & Responses
Brad Sims emphasized the league-wide desire for Pulisic, noting that “if you ask any of my 29 counterparts across the league if they would be interested… I’m pretty sure you’d get 29 yesses.” He added that the club believes Pulisic wants to return home and would likely rank NYCFC high among his MLS options. AC Milan has not issued a public comment beyond rejecting an approach reported by ESPN.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you ask any of my 29 counterparts across the league if they would be interested in having Christian Pulisic on their team, I’m pretty sure you’d get 29 yesses,” — Brad Sims, NYCFC President
- “I felt really good this summer with the guys and I thought my level was high,” — Christian Pulisic
- “It’s disappointing I didn’t quite have the moments I was hoping to and to try to help us to get over this next step of beating a really good team.” — Christian Pulisic
- “This is 12, 13 years in the making,” — Brad Sims, referring to the delayed opening of Etihad Park
Upcoming Developments
NYCFC announced that the delayed opening of its 25,000-seat Etihad Park is now slated for July 17, 2027, aligning the club’s schedule with the MLS calendar shift to a European-style season. The stadium’s debut will coincide with the team’s continued use of Yankee Stadium and Citi Field for home matches through the 2027 transition season.
