Manchester United consider Christian Pulisic transfer this summer if Liverpool move for Borussia Dortmund playmaker
The 19 year-old caught the eye of the Old Trafford hierarchy and ticks a number of boxes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United are willing to strongly challenge Liverpool if the Anfield club go in for Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic in the summer, as the American talent has emerged as a big target for the Old Trafford hierarchy.
While the 19-year-old attacker is obviously seen as an excellent football signing in his own right and fill a hole for Jose Mourinho’s side, an extra angle is the view that talent could well make him the USA’s first megastar in the sport, with all of the commercial value that will bring. United’s marketing side would see him as another Paul Pogba in that regard, as do many other suitors.
Liverpool are expected to make a move for Pulisic in the summer window, though, with Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer of his former club’s player.
One trump card United could hold in any negotiations is Dortmund’s interest in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who left the club for Old Trafford in summer 2016. As reported by The Independent on Wednesday, he is also interested in a return to the Westfalenstadion but there is a difference in position on wages.
United also have an interest in Dortmund defensive midfielder Julian Weigl and Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler, but Pulisic’s potential value is seen as so high - both in terms of on-field and off-field productivity - that they would have to make a move.
Pulisic moved to Dortmund in 2016 and has been steadily progressing since, while also scoring nine goals in 20 caps for the US national team despite failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Speaking to The Independent in November, Pulisic reiterated that the most important thing for his development is to make sure that he's playing regular football.
“I am playing every week in the Bundesliga, in the Champions League, against top teams,” he says.
“When you do that every week, you are going to improve. When you play against the best players, you’re going to grow. I’m learning a lot: tactically, technically, gaining strength.”
To keep track of the latest transfer news as it breaks, follow our live blog.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments