Christian Pulisic has emerged as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, according to analyst Jonathan Spector, who believes the American forward possesses the pace and directness needed to fill the void left by the Egyptian King's departure. The AC Milan winger, who spent four seasons at Chelsea before moving to Serie A in 2023, has transformed his career in Italy and now finds himself at the centre of transfer speculation involving some of Europe's elite clubs.
Spector highlighted Pulisic's attacking profile as ideally suited to Liverpool's style of play. "When you see them go forward, they go at pace, and that is something that he does extremely well," Spector told GOAL. As a defender, the Pennsylvania native presents a nightmare scenario—a dynamic, quick player capable of shifting defenders with confidence and intensity. His willingness to run at opponents directly aligns with how Liverpool's attacking transitions operate, particularly when launching counter-attacks from deep positions.
Why Chelsea Move Did Not Deliver
Despite undeniable talent, Pulisic struggled to meet expectations during his time at Stamford Bridge. Spector offered insight into the mismatch: "At a club like Chelsea, you have to produce at a high level." The challenge was not ability but fit. Chelsea, like Manchester United and Manchester City before them, has a track record of moving on from players who fail to align with their tactical demands—regardless of individual quality. "For me, Pulisic just wasn't the right fit at the right time at Chelsea," Spector explained, suggesting that the Blues' system did not complement his ball-carrying and direct running style as effectively as Serie A has.
The USMNT international has flourished at Milan, posting personal career bests in goal-scoring and becoming a fan favourite through his versatility and work-rate. However, contract negotiations remain ongoing, leaving the door open for interested suitors. Liverpool's vacancy on the right flank following Salah's exit presents a concrete opportunity for a player entering his peak years at 27.
With a possible two World Cups remaining in his career, Pulisic faces a pivotal moment. After a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign on home soil—where the USMNT exited in the last 16—a move to a club of Liverpool's stature could reignite both his career momentum and his standing within the national team setup.
