Chelsea Cannot Afford to Offload Christian Pulisic

Recently, rumors have been swirling in regards to Barcelona’s interest in a trio of Chelsea players; namely, Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and most surprisingly, the American star Christian Pulisic. While this could be a great move for Xavi’s Barcelona, loaning or selling Pulisic would be a rash decision that could hinder Chelsea’s Premier League title hopes.

On the surface, a move for any of these three seems to make sense for both sides. Ziyech has lacked playing time since his move to London and is rumored to be on the market.

Hudson-Odoi could use more playing time as well while he continues his development. Barcelona lacks wingers at the moment— forcing Sergino Dest to move from right back to right-winger.

Both of these players could do well in Spain— although in my opinion, selling Hudson-Odoi now is the wrong move, as he still has world-class potential. However, selling Pulisic is a different matter.

Not the right time for Chelsea to sell Christian Pulisic

Pulisic is a somewhat hard player to judge accurately. He has a well-documented history of constant injuries, and these injuries have continued to hold him back this season.

He has only played 2 games in the Premier League this year due to a bout with Covid and an ankle injury suffered while on international duty.

But Pulisic is still a valuable asset that Chelsea needs to hold onto this season. Pulisic is finally ready to get back into the team, and his pace and ability to cause problems for defenders will be a welcome addition for the Blues.

Furthermore, when he is healthy and in form, he is a top talent, as he proved during Project Restart, and has shown in flashes since then. Plus, he’s still only 23 years old.

But most importantly, Chelsea needs to see him link up with Romelu Lukaku, who looks to be back soon after his own injury.

The big target man and the flashy winger could be a lethal duo at Stamford Bridge, with Pulisic’s crosses into the box being finished by one of the world’s best strikers. The duo could provide scoring opportunities that have, at times, dried up for the Blues.

Christian Pulisic is still a valuable asset to Chelsea

Even if you prefer an attacking trio of, say, Lukaku, Kai Havertz, and Mason Mount, there are few better players to bring off the bench late in a game than Pulisic.

In the Champions League Semifinals (second leg) vs. Real Madrid, Pulisic came off the bench and closed out the game, drawing fouls with his speed and providing the assist to Mason Mount that sealed their ticket to the final.

The American may have his issues at times with injuries and form, but he is still a valuable asset to Chelsea. With a heated title challenge in the Premier League, Pulisic could make a huge difference to the Blues, and should not leave London in January.