It was supposed to be a statement week for Christian Pulisic. Instead, the United States Men’s National Team captain found himself watching from the sidelines as AC Milan stumbled in the Serie A title race. On a rain-soaked Sunday night at the Stadio Olimpico, manager Massimiliano Allegri made the shock decision to bench his most productive attacker for the pivotal clash against Roma, favoring summer signing Christopher Nkunku in a frustrating 1-1 draw.

The decision has sent shockwaves through the January transfer window 2026 news cycle, coming just days after reports surfaced that the Rossoneri are preparing a massive AC Milan contract extension to lock Pulisic down until 2029. With the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster preparations heating up and Mauricio Pochettino watching closely, Pulisic’s sudden omission from the starting XI has sparked intense debate about his role in Allegri’s rigid system.

The Roma Benching: Tactical Masterstroke or Misstep?

Despite being Milan’s standout performer of the 2025/26 campaign with 8 goals in 15 Serie A appearances, Pulisic was relegated to the bench in favor of a strike partnership between Rafael Leão and Christopher Nkunku. Allegri, who took the helm at the San Siro in May 2025, cited a need for "tactical balance" against Roma’s aggressive midfield.

The gamble failed to pay off. While Koni De Winter gave Milan the lead with a towering header in the 62nd minute—his first for the club—the visitors lacked their usual fluidity in the final third. Pulisic was eventually introduced in the 69th minute, replacing a largely ineffective Nkunku, but he had little time to influence the game before Lorenzo Pellegrini equalized for Roma from the penalty spot just five minutes later.

The draw leaves Milan five points adrift of league leaders Inter, raising serious questions about Allegri’s rotation policy. Critics argue that leaving Pulisic out of such a high-stakes fixture was a luxury Milan could not afford, especially given Nkunku's struggles to adapt to Italian football since his €42 million move from Chelsea last August.

Inside the "Leao-Style" Contract Offer

The timing of the benching is particularly awkward given the looming contract negotiations. According to sources close to the club, Milan’s hierarchy is desperate to secure Pulisic’s long-term future before the summer. His current deal expires in 2027, but the club is reportedly preparing a "Leao-style" extension that would keep him in Milan until 2029 with a significant salary bump.

The proposed deal would reportedly see Pulisic’s wages rise to the €5-6 million range, putting him on par with the club’s top earners. However, the events in Rome may complicate matters. At 27 years old and in the prime of his career, Pulisic requires guaranteed minutes, not just a paycheck. If Allegri continues to view him as a rotation option for big games, the American star might hesitate to put pen to paper, potentially alerting Premier League suitors monitoring the situation.

Pochettino’s Warning and the 2026 World Cup

The situation in Milan is being monitored closely across the Atlantic. With the 2026 World Cup on home soil less than six months away, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that reputation alone will not guarantee a starting spot. Pochettino’s comments in December, where he emphasized that "the badge is more important than the name," served as a subtle warning to his European-based stars.

Pulisic, who missed the 2025 Gold Cup to recover from a grueling season, knows that regular playing time at the highest level is non-negotiable under Pochettino. While his status as captain is secure for now, a prolonged spell on the bench could impact his sharpness and rhythm heading into the most important tournament of his life. Pochettino demands high-intensity pressing and match fitness, traits that can only be maintained through consistent 90-minute performances.

Christian Pulisic AC Milan Stats: Undeniable Impact

Statistically, the decision to bench Pulisic remains baffling. Since joining Milan, he has been a model of consistency. After finishing as the club's top scorer in the 2024/25 season with 17 goals across all competitions, he has continued that form into the current campaign. His Christian Pulisic AC Milan stats for 2025/26 highlight his importance:

  • Serie A Goals: 8 (Team High)
  • Assists: 2
  • Big Chances Created: 6
  • Successful Dribbles per 90: 2.4

In contrast, Nkunku has managed just 4 goals in 16 appearances, struggling to replicate the form that made him a Bundesliga star. For Milan fans, the equation is simple: Pulisic plays, Milan scores. As the January transfer window enters its final days, the pressure is now on Allegri to reintegrate his American talisman into the starting lineup for the upcoming clash against Bologna, or risk alienating his most decisive player at a critical juncture in the season.