AC Milan fans don’t have short memories, and for that reason they applauded the substitution in the 77th minute of Milan–Torino, when Christian Pulisic came off for Gimenez. Captain America’s last goal dates back to December 28 against Verona; since then, there’s been nothing—amid physical issues, misunderstandings in the dressing room, and stalled contract renewal talks. Even his teammates are behind him, as shown by the celebrations of Fofana and Rabiot, who mimicked his trademark gesture of pulling his arm across his face—something the former Chelsea player does after every goal.
Pulisic has gone from averaging one goal every 74 minutes in his brilliant early run to a surprising drought over the next fourteen matches. His assist for Rabiot is a small consolation, helping to ease the disappointment and look more optimistically toward the upcoming match at the Maradona against Napoli, where he’ll be one of the most anticipated players for obvious reasons.
Pulisic is seeking a strong comeback
"He talks little and scores a lot," say those who know him well. He chose the quiet town of Busto Arsizio and a house with a large garden, similar to his estate in Pennsylvania, because he loves running in the woods and not Milan and its bright lights or big-city chaos. He prefers his guitar and golf, his great passion, which he devotes much of his free time to alongside his girlfriend Alexa, also American and a professional golfer. In that calm, in his reserved nature, lies a quiet determination to rebel against a 2026 that has so far been poor in footballing joy.
From the U.S. national team camp, Pulisic has chosen to lower the attention on his personal and contractual situation: “Most people tell me things and ask what’s going on, and I say I haven’t even seen them. I really don’t know. I think there’s always a right time and place. Usually it’s not when I’m in the middle of the season and playing. I don’t talk with my agent about clubs or going somewhere else. It doesn’t affect me much, so it doesn’t influence me at all. Of course, there will be a time to talk about it and there will be options, but this isn’t the moment. I’m happy to be here right now, so I’m focusing as much as possible on that.”
From a tax perspective, Christian Pulisic’s future at Milan could continue smoothly. According to Article 5 of Decree Law 34/2019, known as the “Growth Decree,” and subsequent amendments introduced with the Budget Law, the American player could retain tax benefits even if he renews his contract with the Rossoneri club.
Italian law allows the favorable tax regime to be extended for another five years, provided the player makes a real estate investment in Italy. For someone living and working steadily in Milan and nearby areas, like Pulisic, this is a feasible option aligned with his stay in the country.
In practice, buying a home in Italy would allow the U.S. captain to continue benefiting from a particularly advantageous tax system designed to attract foreign players and encourage professionals to remain in Italy.
Meeting in May:
Pulisic’s current contract runs until 2027, with a net salary of €4 million. Thanks to the Growth Decree, the effective tax burden is reduced, bringing his gross salary to about €5 million. Despite the distant expiration, Milan is keen to continue with Christian for many years and wants him to become an increasingly central figure in the team. A difficult and complex period does not change the club’s view, as they have always appreciated not only his technical qualities but also his character.
The contract also includes a clause in favor of Milan that allows the club to exercise an option for an additional season, until June 2028. This provides the club with greater security in planning the player’s future and avoiding unexpected developments in the transfer market, as pointed out via Calcio Mercato.
Pulisic has taken his time, possibly tempted by interest emerging from both the Premier League and Saudi Arabia, and Milan has respected his wishes. The goal is to finalize everything before the World Cup with a renewal until 2031 on slightly improved terms. Otherwise, the option will still be activated.
