DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 3: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States takes a shot during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USMNT at Khalifa International Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Glen Johnson, a former Premier League player, believes Chelsea will allow Christian Pulisic to join Newcastle United but not Manchester United.
Speaking in an interview with GGRecon, the former Blues defender was questioned about Erik ten Hag’s rumored loan swoop for the 24-year-old. He was asked whether it would be a mistake to allow the talented attacker to join a direct rival.
“I can’t imagine Chelsea would let him move to Manchester United,” Johnson responded.
“He could end up bouncing back and really help them out, so I suppose the only reason you’d let him out on loan is to get his value up and then sell him.
“That’s the only reason why he’d go on loan at this stage, and I’d be very shocked if he goes to Manchester United.
“If he went to Newcastle, then that would be less of a risk, because even though they’ve been performing out of their skin so far, I’m not sure if they can do that from when the Premier League returns, up until the end of the season.
“However, I’ve been wrong many times in the past, but I’d be really surprised if they maintained this form between now and the end of the season.”
Johnson suggests Pulisic could join Newcastle on loan
In this instance, underestimating the Magpies may be a mistake for Chelsea. At the moment, Newcastle sits third in the Premier League table, with Man United four points behind in fifth. Graham Potter’s side is all the way down in eighth.
As of yet, the Tyneside club has not shown any reason why they can’t secure a top-four finish over the other two teams.
Therefore, with Chelsea possibly betting on United to outperform the Toon in the second half of the season, they would be seriously misjudging the capabilities of Eddie Howe’s squad.
Pulisic would be a brilliant addition on Tyneside, as his great pace and thunderous finishing would be appreciated at St James’ Park – whereas this doesn’t appear to be the case at Stamford Bridge.
Hailed as ‘superb’ by ITV pundit Joe Cole, a loan move to Newcastle would be a shrewd bit of business for the Magpies, as they look to build a squad capable of Champions League qualification.
