Landon Donovan Breaks Silence on Christian Pulisic's Future as Premier League Giants Circle
Former U.S. men's national team star Landon Donovan questions whether Christian Pulisic can "physically" cope with Premier League demands should the AC Milan player return to English football.
Pulisic has become the subject of transfer rumors recently, with numerous reports connecting him to a Premier League comeback after his previous four-year stint at Chelsea. The 27-year-old remains tied to the Italian club until June 2027, though stalled contract extension discussions have cast doubt on his future.
Amid ongoing speculation, Donovan and fellow USMNT legend Tim Howard discussed the winger's possible English return on the recent Unfiltered Soccer episode. The former keeper thinks Pulisic could reach "another level" by joining an English powerhouse like Liverpool or Manchester United, though his co-presenter expressed greater reservations.
"This represents a situation where I believe if he's driven and eager to prove himself, he has the capability—joining one of these major English clubs," Donovan explained. "My one reservation, speaking from personal experience... the physical demands are genuinely significant.
"He's an exceptional athlete, absolutely. However, some Premier League athletes are absolute beasts. I mean beasts. And maintaining that level 35, 40, 45 times annually at such intensity is extremely challenging. I'm uncertain whether he could physically sustain it week after week for two or three years, like certain players do. It's genuinely demanding."
Why Donovan's Pulisic Worries Have Merit
Why Donovan's Pulisic Worries Have Merit
Pulisic has battled fitness problems throughout his career, particularly during his Chelsea period. Based on Transfermarkt data, the American endured 13 separate injuries across his four Stamford Bridge seasons.
These prolonged absences caused Pulisic to miss 60 total matches during his west London tenure. Following his Milan transfer before the 2023–24 campaign, his injury troubles have significantly reduced, yet consistency remains elusive for the USMNT star.
During 2025–26 alone, Pulisic has already encountered three separate injuries that disrupted his exceptional season opening. The winger achieved eight goal contributions across his initial seven Milan matches this term, before sustaining a hamstring problem during October's international window.
Throughout subsequent months, Pulisic has frequently visited the medical room, and his inconsistent availability has reflected in recent disappointing displays. He has managed just four goals across his past 13 outings—with all four strikes occurring before 2026 began.
Returning to what many consider the world's most physically demanding and competitive league might prove detrimental to Pulisic's health and professional trajectory.
Pulisic's Possible Premier League Return's USMNT Impact
Pulisic's Possible Premier League Return's USMNT Impact
If speculation materializes and Pulisic actually returns to Premier League action, this represents a high-stakes gamble for the USMNT. Should the Stars and Stripes' skipper successfully join a global football giant, he might elevate his international performance to unprecedented levels.
However, if his English top-flight return results in recurring fitness issues or limited playing opportunities, Pulisic transforms from a Serie A standout into a Premier League afterthought. A significant injury could also deprive the USMNT of its premier talent for considerable time, disrupting team chemistry and coordination once more.
Even avoiding medical setbacks, Pulisic might experience reduced playing time, becoming merely a substitute option while competing against established stars at his potential new club. Consequently, the former Chelsea player would enter international duty lacking match sharpness and form needed to lead his nation—an expectation now placed upon him.
Naturally, only future developments will reveal whether Pulisic actually joins the Premier League, much less thrives or struggles in England. Yet the potential transfer's ramifications would extend well beyond his club commitments.