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Milan shut down MLS move for Pulisic — photo: ESPN FC

Photo: ESPN FC

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Milan shut down MLS move for Pulisic

**Editor's note: This story is currently sourced to ESPN FC alone, citing unnamed sources. We're publishing with that caveat clearly flagged — treat specifics as unconfirmed until a second outlet picks it up.** New York City FC came calling for Christian Pulisic — and AC Milan didn't even blink. According to ESPN FC, citing unnamed sources, Milan have rejected an approach from the MLS club for the US international, with the Italian side making their position unambiguous: Pulisic is not for sale.

By Mia Ferreira· LaLiga & Serie A·Published ·Updated ·1 MIN READ

Milan draw the line

Pulisic has become one of the more important players at San Siro since arriving from Chelsea, and Milan's response to NYCFC's approach reflects exactly that. This wasn't a quiet 'we'll think about it' — it was a door closed firmly, according to ESPN FC's report. The club's message to the MLS side appears to have been short and not particularly sweet.

Context matters here: NYCFC are not a side simply fishing in the bargain bin. The approach signals a growing confidence among MLS clubs that they can go after established European names — not just players winding down, but players actively contributing at the top level. Pulisic, a regular starter and one of the most recognisable American footballers on the planet, very much fits that description.

What this means for Pulisic

There's been no public response from Pulisic's camp, and Milan haven't confirmed anything officially — ESPN FC's reporting rests on unnamed sources, with no second outlet yet corroborating the story. So treat the specifics with the appropriate caution.

What does feel solid: Milan's stance. A club that wanted to move a player wouldn't reject an opening approach outright — they'd let talks develop and see what number lands on the table. The fact that the approach was turned away at the door says something about how Pulisic fits into their plans heading into next season.

MLS money coming for a player of his profile and Milan saying no — that's not nothing. It's a statement.

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**Editor's note: This story is currently sourced to ESPN FC alone, citing unnamed sources. We're publishing with that caveat clearly flagged — treat specifics as unconfirmed until a second outlet picks it up.** New York…

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Flagside's editors read every piece we publish. We work from the football press, write our own copy rather than reprinting anyone's, and check each article for accuracy and sourcing. Every outlet that fed into this piece is named under Sources.

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