Christian Pulisic’s journey at AC Milan this season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance, untimely injuries, and persistent questions about his future in Italy. As the 2025-26 campaign edges toward its climax, the American star finds himself at a crossroads, both on and off the pitch, with contract negotiations stalling and his recent form raising eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
It wasn’t long ago that Pulisic was being hailed as one of the standout players in world football. By December 8, 2025, he had racked up an impressive 26 goals since the start of the 2024-25 season—outpacing the likes of Bukayo Saka, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer. That stat alone underscored his meteoric rise and his importance to both Milan and the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). His crowning moment came on December 28, when he netted his 10th goal of the current Serie A campaign against Hellas Verona, seemingly cementing his place among Europe’s elite attackers.
But as the calendar flipped to 2026, the narrative shifted. Pulisic has since gone twelve matches without finding the back of the net, a drought that stands in stark contrast to his blistering start. Injuries have played a significant role in this downturn. After a promising opening—four goals in the first six league matches—he was sidelined for five games between October and November due to a muscular injury. The troubles didn’t end there; recurring issues, including bouts of bursitis, have hampered his consistency and limited his playing time in the new year.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical adjustments also factored into Pulisic’s evolving role. Allegri, who took the Milan helm in the summer of 2025, saw potential in deploying Pulisic higher up the pitch within a 3-5-2 formation, pairing him with the dynamic Rafael Leao. The move initially paid dividends, with Pulisic thriving in the advanced role and Milan’s attack looking reinvigorated. Yet, injuries to both Pulisic and Leao often forced Allegri to shuffle his lineup, preventing the duo from building sustained chemistry. Despite these challenges, Pulisic’s numbers remain respectable: 23 appearances (16 starts), 1,290 minutes, eight goals, and three assists so far this season. Leao, for his part, has made 22 appearances (18 starts), logging 1,492 minutes, nine goals, and two assists.
Such statistics suggest that while neither player has enjoyed uninterrupted runs, both remain crucial cogs in Milan’s offensive machinery. Still, Pulisic’s inability to score in 2026 has become a talking point. The American’s last goal remains that December 28 strike, and while he recently provided an assist against Torino FC, fans are eager to see him rediscover his scoring touch as the season heads into its decisive phase.
Off the pitch, uncertainty swirls around Pulisic’s contractual situation. Negotiations for a new deal with Milan have reportedly stalled as of late March 2026, though both parties appear keen to continue their partnership. Pulisic’s current contract runs until June 2027, with Milan holding an option to extend it by an additional year through 2028. According to reports from Calciomercato, this existing club-controlled extension reduces the urgency for immediate renegotiation. Pulisic currently earns a net salary of €4 million per year, and there are plans to revisit talks at the end of the season—potentially offering a slight wage increase and extending his stay through June 2031.
The American international also stands to benefit from Italy’s Growth Decree, a tax incentive program that could apply for another five years, provided he purchases a home in Italy. This financial angle gives both Pulisic and Milan additional motivation to strike a long-term agreement, though the club’s fallback option—simply triggering the extension—offers leverage should transfer interest emerge from elsewhere.
Pulisic himself has addressed the speculation with characteristic composure. Speaking to Men's Journal ahead of upcoming USMNT fixtures, he stated, "I don't talk with my agent about clubs or about going somewhere else. It doesn't really affect me, so it doesn't influence me at all. Of course, when the time comes to talk about it, and there are options, I'll do that, but this isn't the moment. I'm happy to be here right now, so I'm focusing as much as possible on that." His words reflect a player intent on delivering for Milan in the immediate term, even as the summer looms as a pivotal juncture for his career.
That summer will be even more consequential with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Pulisic made the deliberate choice to skip the 2025 Gold Cup, prioritizing club form and fitness ahead of representing the United States on home soil in the sport’s grandest tournament. The World Cup, set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, promises to be a defining stage for the USMNT and its captain. Milan’s supporters, meanwhile, are hoping that a strong finish to the Serie A season will see their American star return to his best—just in time for both club and country to reap the rewards.
Looking back, Pulisic’s Milan career has already been eventful. Joining from Chelsea in 2023 for a fee of €20.8 million plus bonuses, he was initially seen as a marquee signing capable of restoring Milan’s attacking verve. His first campaign was solid, and by the start of 2025-26, he appeared poised for a breakout year. The reality, however, has been more complicated. Injuries, tactical shifts, and the weight of expectation have all played their part, but the underlying quality remains undeniable.
Comparing his output to last season, the numbers tell a nuanced story. In 2024-25, Pulisic made 28 appearances (25 starts), logging 1,685 minutes, nine goals, and eight assists. This year, while his starts and minutes are down, his goal tally remains strong relative to his opportunities. Similarly, Leao has increased his goal output while seeing a dip in assists, suggesting both players have adapted to Allegri’s demands in different ways.
As the 2025-26 season enters its final stretch, Milan’s hopes of a strong finish could hinge on Pulisic regaining his early-season form. The club’s absence from European competition this year was expected to ease the physical burden on its stars, but the injury bug has lingered regardless. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see if the American can break his scoring drought and help propel Milan up the Serie A table.
With contract talks set for the summer and the World Cup beckoning, Christian Pulisic stands at a pivotal crossroads. Whether he pens a new deal, explores fresh challenges, or simply rediscovers his scoring touch, one thing is certain: the coming months will be crucial for both his club and international ambitions. For now, all eyes remain fixed on Milan’s number eleven, hoping his next chapter will be as electrifying as his early-season exploits.