Christian Pulisic's value rising after every World Cup game

Christian Pulisic may not be lighting up the tournament in the goals department like other stars are. However, the American is proving that his potential greatly exceeds his output under Graham Potter at Chelsea. Consequently, Pulisic is skyrocketing his value with each performance by being a game changer for the United States.

Pulisic already had a ‘big-money’ move. Chelsea paid Borussia Dortmund $65 million for the American back in the early part of 2019. Safe to say it has been a disappointing tenure at Stamford Bridge thus far. Injuries are no aid, but Pulisic’s inconsistent form and lack of production do no favors for his support from the club’s demanding fanbase.

In fact, Transfermarkt now pings his value at just shy of $40 million. This is a third less than the same value just two years ago.

Pulisic’s value increases with each game at the World Cup

Based on his playing time, it’s obvious that the current coaching staff at Chelsea do not rate Pulisic. In 18 appearances for the Blues, Pulisic played more than 45 minutes on four occasions. He scored a goal in one and assisted in another. The quandary is that the player wants more playing time, and the club has a wealth of talent that plays a similar role to Pulisic.

Manchester United, Newcastle and Leeds United are all potential landing spots rumored for Pulisic. However, the player’s performances in Qatar might see a significant increase in the value for the player, especially if a bidding war occurs.

Strong international performances

Previously, many English supporters saw Pulisic as just a name to bring in an American audience. However, he is proving to be a talent worthy of praise in the World Cup. In the opener, he provided the assist for Timothy Weah for the USMNT’s first goal at the tournament.

In matchday two against England, with millions of Chelsea fans watching actively rooting against him, Pulisic almost had the lone goal. His shot off the crossbar in the first half almost sent the soccer social media landscape into a war. He won man of the match in a game that featured three of his Chelsea teammates on the other side.

The final matchday proved his value. The goal to beat Iran is one thing. His leadership and determination to play is part of the intangible set coaches and executives strive for. It also helps that Pulisic has no fear in taking players on with the dribble to demonstrate a physical skill set.

Impending transfer

The consequence of his performance could benefit his club life. In the past, rumors swirled over Pulisic’s unhappiness at Chelsea. For example, Pulisic’s father alluded to the player having a “sad” time at Stamford Bridge. He wants out, whether or not he says it.

Note that Pulisic will not get the $100 million move or be the talk of the transfer rumor mill. However, he does have the opportunity to remake his club career.

Manchester United has a manager in Erik ten Hag that demands pressing and work rate out of his forwards. Pulisic showed in the first half of the Iran game that he can be pivotal in regaining possession, even when he is the one to cough it up. Jesse Marsch is similar at Leeds, compatriots Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams can attest to that much. Those two make a living out of it.

In Newcastle, Pulisic can be on a team that is showing no signs of slowing down. Eddie Howe has the Magpies absolutely flying in the Premier League. Newcaslte made Miguel Almirón into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers. Pulisic is four years younger than Almirón, and could grow into a pivotal piece of Newcastle’s project under the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

If these clubs expressed interest before, Christian Pulisic is only growing his value via his World Cup. Should the United States continue to thrive with Pulisic at its core, more than just these three could come calling. Or, Graham Potter can find a way to fit in Pulisic, a natural leader for his national team, into his XI at Chelsea.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Fotoarena