Chelsea star faces massive test ahead of summer transfer window

The summer transfer window is quickly approaching as the calendar took another turn into a new month on Tuesday. March means we’re one step closer to the end of the season and a transfer period that’s expected to shake up the landscape of world football, beginning on July 1. One of the clubs expected to be most involved in that timeframe is Chelsea. The reigning World Champions did not make any additions in the winter as they did not want to panic buy. Instead, they continued to take steps toward securing their favorite targets in the summer.

The Blues’ attack is going to be under the microscope for the remainder of the year before the next transfer period begins. They have struggled mightily in the final third again this season, despite a plethora of expensive additions over the last few seasons. This means there are a number of players who will be on trial in some of the biggest contests of the campaign. United States international Christian Pulisic is one of those individuals. The winger needs to show consistency or he runs the risk of being sold by Chelsea in the summer.

Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic needs to show consistency or risk being sold

If one had asked about the American a few weeks ago, the consensus amongst supporters was that he was probably on the chopping block. Pulisic was struggling in nearly every performance as he largely failed to impact each game he found himself involved in. Nevertheless, Hakim Ziyech is an excellent example of how much a narrative can change around a player when he finds a bit of consistent form. Ziyech looked like the odd man out in attack until he found his footing, now he’s arguably one of the Blues’ most important forwards.

Pulisic has had those moments of brilliance this season—his goal against Liverpool in the Premier League being the standout memory—and he’s even begun to come good recently with excellent performances against Lille and Liverpool (Carabao Cup). The part of his game that he’s struggled with during his time in west London is undoubtedly the consistency though. Pulisic’s only real sustained period of brilliance was post-lockdown under manager Frank Lampard.

It must be said that injuries have not helped “the LeBron James of Soccer” during his time in SW6 either. Pulisic also struggled with COVID-19 earlier in the campaign. This season is probably the healthiest he’s been though overall, and he’s only got four goals and three assists in 23 games. The 23-year-old has looked infinitely better on his favored left wing recently, where he rewarded Thomas Tuchel for starting him there with a Champions League knockout stage goal. There’s no hiding from it anymore, Chelsea needs more production from its wide attackers. Pulisic has displayed the ability to have a lot of goal involvements as a winger, he just needs to make it all click before it’s too late and the club has already found a suitable replacement.

If Pulisic can prove he’s got what it takes to stay on the pitch and provide goals consistently from each wing, he could change the Blues’ transfer strategy altogether. Marina Granovskaia, Petr Cech and Tuchel would have to plan for just one outgoing (likely striker Timo Werner) and one incoming, as opposed to a potential offensive overhaul. This would mean the funds could be spent elsewhere or even go toward signing a higher caliber forward.

Pulisic has shown on multiple occasions that he has what it takes to play at the highest level of world football—just ask Real Madrid. The question now becomes whether or not he can do it more often than not. If the one they call Captain America can show signs of consistency during the remainder of the campaign, he’ll more than likely earn himself another year with Chelsea. If not, Pulisic could have to pack his bags and move elsewhere after failing to live up to expectations at one of Europe’s most successful clubs.

What do you think the future holds for Pulisic? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!