Tim Howard thinks Christian Pulisic is ready to conquer the Premier League. The former Manchester United keeper believes the AC Milan star could reach new heights if he makes a comeback to England.
And Howard isn't holding back with his praise. He's comparing Pulisic's journey to legends like Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.
Remember when Pulisic joined Chelsea for £58 million back in 2019? The move made him the most expensive American player ever. But things didn't quite work out at Stamford Bridge. Injuries plagued him, and he couldn't nail down a regular spot under Thomas Tuchel.
Fast forward to now, and Pulisic is tearing up Serie A with AC Milan. He's bagged eight goals and two assists this season. Milan are sitting second in the table, and the American winger has been absolutely crucial to their success.
The De Bruyne and Salah Comparison
Howard drew some bold parallels on his Unfiltered Soccer podcast. "Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah weren't good enough at Chelsea apparently," he said. "They went abroad, gained confidence, and came back to make history."
"I feel the same way about Christian Pulisic. He's matured, he's older now, and he's been the best player in Serie A. I think there's actually another level for him back in the Premier League."
The rumours are flying around that Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on Pulisic. For punters looking at transfer markets, these links could shake up the odds on where top attackers might land.
The Physical Question
But not everyone is completely convinced. Landon Donovan, Howard's podcast co-host and fellow USA legend, has some concerns about the physical demands.
"Christian is a phenomenal athlete, but some Premier League players are monsters," Donovan warned. "To do it 35, 40, 45 times a year at that pace is really hard. We see him break down from time to time."
That injury history is something any betting markets would factor in. A player's availability matters hugely when clubs are making big investments.
Howard addressed whether Pulisic should aim for a top club or a mid-table team. His answer? Go big or go home. "If he's saying 'I've got something to prove,' then I'd like to see him at these top teams," Howard explained.
"If Manchester United, Liverpool, or Arsenal are paying a decent fee for him, they have a plan. It's not an experiment." Well, maybe a little bit with United, Howard joked, but it's still Manchester United.
For United fans and bettors alike, adding a player of Pulisic's calibre could significantly boost their attacking options. The Red Devils have been searching for consistent wide players who can contribute goals and assists.
One thing's for sure - if Pulisic does make the move back to England, all eyes will be watching to see if he can follow in the footsteps of those Chelsea departures who became Premier League icons.
