Christian Pulisic is at a critical crossroads in his Chelsea career.
Despite showing flashes of his undoubted ability since signing for the Blues back in January of 2019, the United States international has struggled to consistently hold down a starting spot at Stamford Bridge. As another season in which the 23-year-old has been used sparingly by Thomas Tuchel draws to a close, Pulisic will no doubt be assessing his options this summer.
Especially as the opportunity to work under another former legendary Borussia Dortmund manager could well be on the cards. As uncertainty continues to surround the attacker's future, Jurgen Klopp 's Liverpool are understood to be lurking.
The next few months will be key for the man dubbed 'Captain America'. According to The Athletic, Pulisic has shown no signs of looking to extend his Chelsea contract which expires in the summer of 2024.
It is also thought that addressing the player's future will be high on the priority list of the club's new American owners, Todd Boehly and co. While Boehly will likely to be keen to retain his fellow countryman, especially as the Blues are set to embark on a three-match pre-season tour of the US this summer, Pulisic make take some persuading.
The lure of Liverpool cannot be underestimated, especially given Sadio Mane's impending departure will free up space in the Reds' fearsome forward line. Pulisic could potentially fill such void.
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However, if the attacker is to snub Liverpool's advances, he will no doubt be keen to seek assurances from Tuchel going forward. While Pulisic's place in the United States team is all but guaranteed, the former Dortmund star will be intent on entering the Qatar World Cup in November in good shape and with plenty of game-time under his belt.
In order to convince the winger to stay at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel may find himself under pressure to award Pulisic with more minutes next season. However, with Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi at his disposal, Tuchel may find it tricky to appease the American.
After starring in his nation's 3-0 friendly success over Morocco last week, Pulisic made no secret of his frustrations at his somewhat limited game-time with the west London club. Pulisic told the US media: “Of course I want to get more playing time (for Chelsea).
"I want to be on the field as much as I can and be at the sharpest I can be and, you know, fit, as well. I think I still got a lot of games in, but that’s always something I’m working at and trying to be, you know, a regular at my club to put myself in the best position to be fit when I come here.”
At present the ball appears to be in Pulisic's court. Having shown no inclination to extend his Chelsea stay, he's piled the pressure on the Blues. Chelsea could look to exploit Liverpool's interest this summer or keep Pulisic - a ploy which carries a potential risk.
The Blues may endanger themselves by allowing the American's transfer value to drop should, 12 months down the line, the club find themselves in a similar position: Pulisic having continued to stall on signing a new deal after experiencing another season in which he has scarcely been used. It's decision time for Pulisic and Chelsea, as the big calls keep on coming for the latter.
