It has been a disappointing season for AC Milan as the Italian giants failed to qualify for a European tournament next season. This outcome necessitates a summer of changes, with several players anticipated to depart and the club preparing to appoint their third manager in under a year.
Following Stefano Pioli`s departure at the close of the 2023-24 season, AC Milan initially appointed Paulo Fonseca to usher in a new era. However, after a challenging start under the leadership of American businessman Gerry Cardinale`s RedBird group, the club reportedly replaced Fonseca with former FC Porto manager Sergio Conceicao. Despite an initial positive phase that included winning the Supercoppa Italiana final against Inter Milan, results ultimately did not meet expectations, leading to AC Milan finishing outside the qualification spots for European competitions next season.
Adding to the setbacks, the Rossoneri also lost the Coppa Italia final against Bologna, a result that secured Bologna`s place in the 2025-26 Europa League league phase and further underscored AC Milan`s poor campaign. With the season officially concluded, the question arises: should Christian Pulisic consider a move away?
What`s next for the club?
The club is now focused on the future and evaluating the status of several key players on the current roster. According to various reports, Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are among those who could potentially leave AC Milan this summer. Currently, there is no strong indication that Pulisic will leave Milan in the summer of 2025, though his future could depend significantly on interest from other teams.
Missing out on European football next season could have an impact on Pulisic`s career and aspirations, particularly after his outstanding performance this season. He was one of Milan`s top contributors, tallying 17 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. As he looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup hosted in his home country, this lack of European exposure is certainly not the ideal scenario for Pulisic and his career progression.
Wait and see for Pulisic?
Pulisic is reportedly engaged in discussions with the club regarding a new contract. His current agreement, signed when he joined from Chelsea in summer 2023, is valid until 2027, and the Rossoneri are reportedly willing to extend it further. However, as reported by Matteo Moretto, Pulisic has postponed signing an extension, awaiting clarity on the club`s plans concerning the new sporting director and the manager for the upcoming season.
The 2025-26 season is poised to be a critically important one for the American winger as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. He is expected to be a key leader for the national team, reportedly under manager Mauricio Pochettino. This aspiration is precisely why Pulisic was hoping to participate in European club competitions – to continue testing himself at a high international level and foster his development. While AC Milan`s absence from European tournaments does not automatically mean Pulisic will leave this summer, it certainly raises points for discussion between the player and the club that need to be addressed promptly. The current expectation is that he will remain at the club and sign a new deal. However, football is known for rapid changes, and Pulisic must make careful decisions ahead of what is arguably the most important year of his career.
