MLS commissioner urges New York City FC to sign US star Christian Pulisic
MLS commissioner Don Garber publicly said he hopes New York City FC can secure the signing of U.S. national team winger Christian Pulisic, likening the potential move to Landon Donovan’s MLS comeback and calling it a possible game‑changer for the league. NYCFC president Brad Sims confirmed the club’s interest but said the deal is “dead in the water” because AC Milan is unwilling to sell; Pulisic’s contract with the Italian club runs through June 2027 with an optional extra year. Garber also noted Pulisic’s recent slump, including a goalless spell in the second half of the 2025‑26 season and failure to score for the United States at the 2026 World Cup, where the U.S. exited in the round of 16 to Belgium.
In broader context, Chelsea’s history of U.S. player transfers is highlighted, noting that Pulisic is the most famous American to have played for the club. The article reviews past U.S. signings such as Roy Wegerle, Matt Miazga and the recent $10 million acquisition of 15‑year‑old Benji Flowers from FC Dallas, illustrating the mixed outcomes of transatlantic moves for American talent.
Entities: AC Milan · Brad Sims · Christian Pulisic · Don Garber · Landon Donovan · New York City FC
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Don Garber expressed hope that New York City FC could sign Christian Pulisic.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] NYCFC president Brad Sims said the club is interested in Pulisic but AC Milan's unwillingness makes the deal 'dead in the water'.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Christian Pulisic played for Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and joined AC Milan in 2023.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The United States were eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup by Belgium.
- [● 2 SOURCES] AC Milan has repeatedly stated that Christian Pulisic is not for sale.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Christian Pulisic’s contract with AC Milan runs through June 2027 with an optional one‑year extension. (Both articles note the contract terms.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Don Garber publicly said he hopes New York City FC can sign Christian Pulisic. (Garber told Fox News that he hopes they can sign Pulisic.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Garber compared a potential Pulisic move to MLS with Landon Donovan’s MLS return, calling it a game‑changer. (Garber said this on Fox News.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Christian Pulisic is the most famous American to have played for Chelsea. (The Chelsea transfer history article states this.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Christian Pulisic did not score for the United States at the 2026 World Cup, which ended in a round‑of‑16 loss to Belgium. (The articles reference the U.S. exit in the World Cup.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] NYCFC president Brad Sims said AC Milan’s unwillingness to sell Pulisic makes the deal dead in the water. (Sims told MLS media that Milan is not willing to sell.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AC Milan rejected an approach from Galatasaray regarding Pulisic, stating he is not for sale. (Garber’s interview notes Milan’s repeated response.)