Landon Donovan Raises Concerns Over Christian Pulisic's Potential Premier League Return

USMNT great warns of physical demands as Pulisic weighs offers from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham

Feb. 19, 2026 at 6:55am

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As speculation builds around Christian Pulisic's future, with Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham interested in his services, former USMNT star Landon Donovan has raised a significant concern. Donovan highlighted the physical demands of the Premier League, noting that the 'monsters' in England's top division may be too much for Pulisic to handle over multiple seasons. The 27-year-old has revived his career at AC Milan, but Donovan cautioned that the relentless pace and intensity of the Premier League could be a challenge, even for a player of Pulisic's caliber.

Why it matters

Pulisic's potential return to the Premier League has drawn comparisons to the successful comebacks of Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, who left England and later returned as transformed superstars. However, Donovan's warning underscores the unique physical toll of the Premier League and the risk that Pulisic may not be able to sustain that level of performance over an extended period. This could shape the next phase of Pulisic's career as he weighs his options.

The details

Christian Pulisic has been one of the standout performers in Serie A this season, playing a decisive role in Milan's push near the top of the table. Reports indicate that several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham, are monitoring his situation. Milan is reportedly open to offers in the $83-95 million range for the 27-year-old, whose contract runs until 2027. Pulisic's previous spell in the Premier League at Chelsea was marked by promise and frustration, as he struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter. His move to Milan in 2023 has been a turning point, with Pulisic rebuilding his reputation and becoming a fan favorite.

  • Pulisic joined AC Milan in 2023.

The players

Christian Pulisic

A 27-year-old American soccer player who has been a standout performer for AC Milan in Serie A this season.

Landon Donovan

A former USMNT star who has raised concerns about the physical demands of the Premier League and whether Pulisic would be able to sustain that level of performance over multiple seasons.

Mohamed Salah

An elite Premier League player who struggled during his initial spell in England before leaving and later returning as a transformed superstar.

Kevin De Bruyne

Another elite Premier League player who followed a similar path, struggling at Chelsea before leaving and later returning as a transformed superstar.

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What they’re saying

“This is a scenario where I think if he is motivated and wants to go prove it, he is capable of it. The one hesitation I have... the physical part of it is a real thing, man.”

— Landon Donovan, Former USMNT star

“I remember Kevin De Bruyne at Chelsea. I remember Mo Salah at Chelsea. He sort of reminds me of Mo Salah and Kevin De Bruyne in that he now went off; he's matured, and he's older, and he's now gone and carried a league. He's carried one of the best teams in the league, right? He's put AC Milan on his back.”

— Tim Howard, Former USMNT goalkeeper

The takeaway

Pulisic's potential return to the Premier League has drawn comparisons to the successful comebacks of Salah and De Bruyne, but Landon Donovan's warning highlights the unique physical demands of England's top division. This could be a crucial factor as Pulisic weighs his options and the next phase of his career, with the 2026 World Cup on home soil looming as a major motivator.