Milan blocks Pulisic: no MLS, yes to renewal with increase
Milan blocks Pulisic: no MLS, yes to renewal with increase
The Rossoneri club rejects the offer from New York City FC and aims for a contract worth over six million for the American talent, considered a sporting and commercial pillar.
Milan closed every door to Christian Pulisic's move to MLS. New York City FC presented a concrete offer, but the Rossoneri club rejected it without hesitation, confirming its desire to keep him in Milan. The decision came while Pulisic is busy with the US national team at the World Cup, where US talent is playing a key role.
The club is aiming for a contract renewal that reflects both its sporting and commercial value, with a salary increase that would exceed six million euros per year. Milan consider Pulisic an essential element both on the pitch and for the growth of the Rossoneri brand, especially in the United States. The club, led by owner Gerry Cardinale and coach Massimiliano Allegri, wants to consolidate its presence in the American market, where Pulisic represents a strategic asset.
The move also signals a resistance to the enticements of the MLS, which in recent years has attracted several European talents with high financial offers. Pulisic himself has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay in Europe, despite the MLS sirens. His stay at Milan not only strengthens the squad for the 2024-25 season, but also opens up new commercial opportunities, especially in a market like the United States, where his popularity is constantly growing.
The club aims to use this visibility to consolidate sponsorship deals and international partnerships. Massimiliano Allegri underlined the importance of Pulisic in the team's technical project, highlighting how his contribution goes beyond the numbers on the pitch. "Christian is a professional of the highest level and represents added value both sportingly and commercially.
We are convinced that his future is here, in Milan", declared the coach. The Rossoneri management also reiterated their desire to build a targeted marketing campaign around him, especially towards the US public. Pulisic's commercial value for Milan goes beyond simple shirt sales: his image is already at the center of digital campaigns aimed at the North American market, with partnerships that include sportswear and lifestyle brands.
With the renewal, the club expects an increase in merchandising revenues of 15-20% next season, as well as greater attraction for global sponsors who see the United States as fertile ground for their investment. From the point of view of the transfer market, the decision to reject the MLS sends a strong signal to European clubs: the value of an American player is not only measured in terms of salary, but also in terms of the ability to open new revenue channels. If Milan manages to close the renewal, it could trigger a trend in which clubs from Serie A and other European leagues re-evaluate MLS offers, preferring longer contracts with integrated commercial clauses.
Milan's strategy is not limited to Serie A. The club is building a commercial ecosystem that aims to capitalize on soccer's growing popularity in the United States, where MLS is gaining traction but struggling to compete with big European clubs in terms of global appeal. Pulisic acts as a bridge between the two worlds: his presence in the Rossoneri not only strengthens the squad, but also offers a platform to penetrate a market in which Milan has significant room for growth.
The Rossoneri management has already started negotiations with US partners for joint campaigns, which could include promotional events and collaborations with local athletes. This move comes at a time when European football is recalibrating its focus towards international markets, especially after the commercial boom generated by the World Cup in Qatar and the growing influence of digital platforms. AC Milan, with its history and brand, positions itself as a key player in this evolution, using Pulisic as leverage to expand its presence beyond traditional boundaries.
The rejection of the MLS is not just a sporting choice, but a strategic statement: European football does not give in to rich US contracts, but aims to build long-term value. What will happen now? Milan will start negotiations for the renewal with Pulisic, with the aim of closing the agreement by the end of the winter transfer window.
If the contract is signed, the club will finally be able to move on after months of rumors and speculation. For Pulisic, however, the possibility will open up to consolidate his leading role both in the Rossoneri and in the US national team, with positive repercussions also on his market value. Milan are not only interested in retaining Pulisic for the next few years, but are already thinking about how to integrate his profile into a broader vision of commercial growth.
The club has started discussions with marketing agencies to develop a multi-channel strategy that includes digital content, collaborations with US influencers and agreements with global brands that want to associate their image with top-level European football. These plans do not stop at the 2024-25 season: Milan is building a path that could lead Pulisic to become a permanent ambassador of the club, with roles also in charity initiatives and social projects in the United States, where football is becoming increasingly relevant at youth level. Read at MilanNews24
Why this matters
Christian Pulisic is one of the most recognizable American footballers in the world and his time at Milan has a direct impact on both the competitiveness of the team and the commercial value of the club. The rejection of New York City FC's offer signals a clear strategy: Milan aims to consolidate its presence in the American market, exploiting Pulisic's popularity to attract new sponsors and partnerships. A renewal with a salary increase not only strengthens the squad, but also sends a strong signal to European competitors and to the MLS, which in recent years has made financial spending its main attraction tool. Milan's decision could redefine the rules of the game, pushing other clubs to evaluate American players not only for their immediate impact on the pitch, but also for their ability to open new commercial horizons.
Frequently asked
Why did Milan reject New York City FC's offer for Pulisic?
The Rossoneri club considers Pulisic to be both a sporting and commercial pillar. The rejection of NYCFC's offer came because AC Milan want to keep him in Milan, aiming for a contract renewal that reflects his current value and future potential.
How much does Christian Pulisic currently earn at Milan?
Pulisic currently receives a salary of less than six million euros per year. The club is aiming for an increase that exceeds this figure in the contract renewal, to align with its sporting and commercial value.
What is Pulisic's role in Milan's commercial strategy?
Pulisic is a key asset for Milan in the United States, where his popularity is constantly rising. The club aims to leverage its image to consolidate sponsorship deals and international partnerships, especially in the American market, where football is gaining ground.
Massimiliano Allegri spoke about Pulisic. What did he say?
Allegri underlined Pulisic's value both on and off the pitch, defining him as a professional of the highest level. He reiterated his belief that his future is at Milan, highlighting his contribution to the team's technical project.
When will the negotiations for Pulisic's renewal end?
Milan aims to close the deal within the winter transfer window. Negotiations are already underway and the desire of both parties is to reach a quick solution to turn the page on speculation.
What is the impact of this decision on the European transfer market?
Milan's rejection of the MLS signals resistance to the economic enticements of the US league. This could influence the strategies of other European clubs, especially those aiming to consolidate their presence in international markets, where the ability to attract talents with added commercial value is becoming a determining factor.
