Christian Pulisic has used the international break to remain at Milanello, choosing recovery and continuity over a United States friendly call-up as Milan wait to see whether their American forward can again become a central figure in the season.
Key takeaways
- Pulisic did not join the United States squad for the friendly victory over Chile, while Yunus Musah spent the full match among Mauricio Pochettino’s substitutes.
- The Milan winger returned to group training only during the week Serie A began after an injury disrupted his summer preparation.
- He supplied an assist in Milan’s 2-2 comeback against Lazio on 12 September and scored his first Rossoneri goal of 2026 against Lecce a week later.
- His present Milan contract runs until 30 June 2027, with the club holding an option for one extra season.
- Gerry Cardinale wants to secure leading players on longer terms, with Pulisic, Strahinja Pavlovic and Adrien Rabiot all part of that wider planning.
A careful return to Milan’s rhythm
Watching from thousands of kilometres away was an unusual experience for Pulisic, who has rarely been absent when the United States have played. This occasion carried a different logic. Following the World Cup defeat to Belgium on 7 July, the American suffered an injury serious enough to keep him out of Milan’s pre-season work.
He was only back with the squad in the week Serie A opened and was named on the bench for the match in Turin on 23 August. His first appearance had to wait until the trip to the Olimpico on 12 September, when Ruben Amorim introduced him at half-time with Milan two goals down against Lazio.
Pulisic played his part in turning that match into a 2-2 draw, providing an assist during the recovery. Against Lecce the following week, he then found the net himself, ending his lengthy wait for a Milan goal in 2026.
The decision to skip the United States camp was taken in agreement with Milan and the American federation. The intention is straightforward: build his physical condition at Milanello and leave behind a difficult opening eight months of the year. All parties want to see again the player who had been such a consistent reference point for Milan in previous seasons.
Contract questions and Cardinale’s longer plan
His form will also shape a contract discussion that has been paused for some time. Around a year and a half ago, Pulisic and Milan appeared close to an agreement, but progress slowed. The existing deal expires in June 2027, although Milan can activate an extension through to 2028.
Cardinale’s ambition is more substantial. The RedBird chief would like Pulisic tied down at least until 2031, reflecting the approach Milan want to take with the principal figures in their squad. A return to the standards seen against Lecce would naturally strengthen that case.
There may, however, be a different financial context from the one in 2025. Milan’s earlier proposal was understood to be worth roughly €5 million net per season. With the end of his contract drawing nearer, Pulisic could seek improved terms if he restores his influence on the pitch.
That remains the decisive point for both player and club. The Pulisic of recent months would have had less leverage in negotiations; the Pulisic who regularly led Milan’s attacking output would be much harder to replace. His importance extends beyond the field as well, given his status as one of the public faces of RedBird’s Milan project in the United States.
Cardinale is already considering similar work elsewhere in the group. Milan intend to offer Serbian defender Pavlovic a new agreement through to 2031, with his salary rising from €1.7 million to around €3.5 million a year. Rabiot is another priority, although the main issue in his case is expected to be his wage rather than the duration of his deal: the French midfielder currently earns €3.5 million, a figure considered below his usual level.
