Alexi Lalas has told The State of the Union podcast that Leeds United could be a potential option for Christian Pulisic should they manage to stay in the Premier League this season.
Leeds already boast a strong contingent of American players. Tyler Adams has been an inspired signing. Meanwhile, both Brenden Aaronson and Weston McKennie have had their brighter moments.
Of course, the club is partly owned by 49ers Enterprises. And until recently, the man in charge of the Whites was Jesse Marsch. So it is no surprise that we are being touted as a potential landing spot for another member of the USMNT.
Lalas suggests Leeds could be contenders to sign Pulisic
Pulisic has not had the best time since moving to Chelsea. He cost the Blues £58 million, according to Sky Sports. And yet, he has rarely got close to living up to that price-tag.
Lalas was discussing where Pulisic could end up next should he leave Stamford Bridge. And one of the outside options, in his mind, was Leeds.
It is fair to say that the 52-year-old was not too complimentary about Leeds. But he suggested that the chance to be something of a talisman may appeal to the 24-year-old – particularly with some of his countrymen already at Elland Road.
“This is familiarity. This is certainly a step down within the EPL. However, there are those who argue and I can certainly make this argument, but when it comes to Leeds, this is a team we know is going to struggle, a team that needs something. Now the caveat with this one is that this is if Leeds stay up. I do not want Christian Pulisic playing in the Championship. But if Leeds were to stay up, that would be a potential move,” he told The State of the Union podcast.
“He’s got his friends there, got that American connection there. It would be a very, very different environment. Because no matter what happens, I think Leeds is going to continue to be this team that struggles each and every year just to be a medium-sized level – in terms of performance – inside the EPL, but there might be a comfort. And that step down may provide him an opportunity to do some different things.”
Pulisic would not be a signing that many Leeds fans would welcome. He has loads of ability. And he will have a point to prove, and he may relish working with some of his international teammates.
But Chelsea are surely going to want a sizeable sum this summer. And for Leeds, that may make a potential bid too much of a gamble.
The Whites hierarchy may see the opportunity differently, of course. And this discussion will be completely redundant if we are relegated.
It is no surprise that Lalas has suggested that we may be outside contenders for his signature. But you would imagine that there may be some Leeds fans who are just as reluctant as Lalas seems to be to consider the possibility.