Christian Pulisic‘s future at AC Milan remains unresolved, but every sign points to a long-term deal that could anchor the club’s next chapter. Despite strong rumors and near-finalized terms, no contract has yet been signed publicly. However, the American midfielder appears close to signing an agreement that would extend his stay at San Siro through June 2029, with a base salary boosted from approximately $4.5 million to $5.7 million net per year, plus performance-linked bonuses.
Pulisic, now 26, arrived in Italy in the summer of 2023 and immediately became a mainstay. He led Milan in goals (11 in Serie A) and total scoring (17) during a turbulent 2024–25 season, even as the club failed to qualify for European competition. Highlights included a key equalizer and assist in their Italian Super Cup win over Inter, where he helped spark a 3–2 comeback after a two-goal deficit.
His versatility, lining up as a right winger or a number 10, has provided the kind of tactical flexibility Massimiliano Allegri values, especially in high-stakes fixtures. While his appointment has yet to be officially confirmed, the club’s rebuild has quietly made it clear: Pulisic will be a central figure in both the attack and the dressing room.
The negotiation pause and the turning point
Contract talks began as early as February 2025, with both player and club reportedly aligned on the practical details of a renewal. Yet the announcement was delayed. According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, it wasn’t Milan that hesitated. “For months Pulisic could have signed the renewal… but the boy took his time and asked for technical guarantees” before committing.
The turning point came when the club reshuffled its strategy in June. With Igli Tare appointed as sporting director and Allegri expected to return, Milan sent a clear signal that its rebuild would center on proven talent. That clarity re-engaged Pulisic’s confidence in the project. Around this time, he reportedly turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, reaffirming his preference to stay in Milan and focus on preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
In remarks quoted by Spanish outlet AS USA, Pulisic said:
“Playing the World Cup in my country is a dream, and I want to work hard to be ready for the most important event in world football. Just thinking about participating excites me, but first, I have a full season ahead with Milan. Right now, I’m focused on that.
This echoes journalist Fabrizio Romano, who told outlet Fantacalcio: “The best is yet to come at Milan for him”—words that reflected months of speculation and a renewed sense of belief.
A keystone signing for Allegri’s project
If the new deal goes through as expected, Pulisic will join Rafael Leão and Mike Maignan at the core of the reimagined Milan. Leão remains the club’s highest earner, but Pulisic would rank among the top paid, reflecting both his growing influence and the trust the club is placing in him.
For Allegri, this signals tactical stability: work rate, versatility, and scoring reliability in a squad that will rely heavily on cohesion in the final third. On and off the pitch, Pulisic has also become Milan’s commercial linchpin in North America. Last season saw a surge in U.S. shirt sales and digital engagement. As one of the most prominent Americans still thriving in European football, he embodies both sporting excellence and global brand potential.
In the end, Milan’s push to finalize Pulisic’s extension isn’t just about numbers. It’s about loyalty, market reach, and a belief in identity and leadership. Each day without an official signature adds a bit of suspense, but Pulisic is closer than ever to anchoring the Red and Black’s future at San Siro.
