NYCFC CEO Brad Sims Sends Clear Message: “We Want Christian Pulisic”

Even as Christian Pulisic was still processing the United States’ Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, the rumor mill back home was already spinning at full speed.

One club, in particular, has made its interest loud and clear.

Speaking at a public event in New York last Thursday, New York City FC CEO Brad Sims left little doubt about the club’s long-term ambitions regarding the USMNT captain.

“We believe Christian wants to play in MLS one day and wants to come back home. Whenever that time comes, we would hope and expect that New York City FC would be very high on his list.”

A statement that carries weight.

While Pulisic remains under contract at AC Milan — and the Italian club has repeatedly stated he is not for sale — Sims’ comments represent the most direct public overture yet from any MLS club for the 27-year-old attacker.

The Stadium Factor

There is another layer to NYCFC’s interest. The club is scheduled to open its long-awaited new stadium on July 17, 2027. Sims clearly envisions Pulisic as the face of that new era, much like Lionel Messi became the face of Inter Miami.

“If you ask any of my 29 counterparts across the league if they would be interested in having Christian Pulisic on their team, I’m pretty sure you’d get 29 yeses.”

Reality Check

For all the optimism coming out of New York, the road to bringing Pulisic back to MLS is far from straightforward. AC Milan has no intention of selling him this summer, and Pulisic himself has never publicly expressed a desire to return to Major League Soccer at this stage of his career.

The Bigger Picture

Pulisic has always said he wants to finish his career in a way that means something to him and to American soccer. Whether that includes a homecoming — and whether that homecoming happens in New York — remains one of the more intriguing storylines heading into 2027.

For now, NYCFC has planted its flag firmly in the ground.