MLS Interest Confirmed: Athletic Journalist Reveals NYCFC’s Pursuit of Pulisic, Milan Stays Firm

FolioPitch.com – 29 June 2026 | In a development that has captured the attention of soccer fans on both sides of the Atlantic, an Athletic journalist confirms NYCFC interest in Pulisic but affirms Milan’s not for sale stance. The report, sourced from The Athletic’s Tom Bogert during a CBS Sports Golazo broadcast, sheds light on the growing speculation linking U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic with a move to Major League Soccer side New York City FC. However, Bogert’s analysis makes clear that any potential transfer this summer faces significant hurdles, primarily due to AC Milan‘s unwavering position on their prized winger.

The Athletic journalist confirms NYCFC interest in Pulisic but affirms Milan’s not for sale stance, providing clarity amidst a flurry of rumors that emerged in recent days. According to Bogert, NYCFC has expressed genuine interest in acquiring Pulisic, with reports even suggesting a lucrative €50 million contract could be on the table. Yet, the Italian giants have communicated that Pulisic is not available for transfer this summer, a stance reinforced by the club’s new management under incoming coach Rúben Amorim. Bogert emphasized that Milan holds an option to extend Pulisic’s contract for an additional 12 months, effectively giving them control over his future beyond the current season.

The Athletic journalist confirms NYCFC interest in Pulisic but affirms Milan’s not for sale stance, adding that the Serie A club is undergoing a transition period with a new coaching staff and front office. Amorim has reportedly identified Pulisic as a key player to build around, having personally contacted the American international to outline his plans. This development contradicts the notion that Milan might part ways with the 25-year-old for financial reasons, especially given his status as one of the club’s most marketable assets. Bogert noted that even if Milan considered selling, the contract extension option provides leverage to demand a substantial fee or retain the player for another year.

Bogert’s comments clarify that while NYCFC’s interest is genuine, the practicalities of a deal are daunting. The transfer fee, wage demands, and the player’s desire to compete at the highest level in Europe all work against a move. Pulisic, who joined Milan from Chelsea in 2023, has shown flashes of the talent that made him a star at Borussia Dortmund and with the USMNT. Under Milan’s new project, he could play a pivotal role in the upcoming season, especially with the club aiming to challenge for the Serie A title and make a deep Champions League run.

From a broader perspective, this saga highlights the ongoing gravitational pull of MLS for American stars, but also the challenges of repatriating players in their prime. Pulisic, at 25, still has several years of top-level football ahead of him. Milan’s stance—bolstered by the Athletic journalist confirms NYCFC interest in Pulisic but affirms Milan’s not for sale stance—suggests that fans hoping to see ‘Captain America’ in MLS will have to wait. For now, the focus remains on the European stage, where Pulisic will look to prove his worth to the Rossoneri faithful.

In conclusion, while NYCFC’s interest adds an intriguing subplot to the summer transfer window, the reality is that Christian Pulisic is likely to remain at AC Milan for at least the 2024-25 season. The combination of Milan’s firm stance, Amorim’s rebuilding plans, and the player’s own ambitions makes a move to MLS improbable at this time. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Pulisic to see if he can become the talisman that leads Milan back to glory.