New York City FC’s pursuit of United States men’s national team star Christian Pulisic has received a high-profile endorsement from the top of Major League Soccer.
MLS commissioner Don Garber publicly backed the proposed move during an appearance on Fox News show One Nation With Brian Kilmeade on Sunday, adding significant momentum to the ongoing transfer speculation.
Garber was speaking in the context of the league emerging from the World Cup period and positioning itself for a new era of growth and global relevance.
The commissioner made his stance unmistakably clear, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the prospect of Pulisic swapping Serie A for the American top flight.
“I hope that they could sign a Christian Pulisic,” Garber said. “I believe he would be great in our league, and I believe our league would be great for him.”
Garber drew a direct comparison to Landon Donovan, framing an MLS move as a chance for Pulisic to cement his legacy closer to home rather than chasing opportunities abroad.
“Give him an opportunity to do what Landon Donovan did, come to Major League Soccer, spread your wings, be a star, be just up the road from your family in Pennsylvania,” Garber added. “I hope they get it done.”
NYCFC CEO Brad Sims had already confirmed the club’s interest in the Hershey, Pennsylvania native back in June, following earlier reports linking Pulisic to the New York club.
Speaking at an MLS media event in midtown Manhattan earlier this month, Sims made clear that the club firmly believes Pulisic’s long-term future lies back in the United States.
“We’re believers that Christian is going to want to play in MLS, wants to be back home,” Sims told reporters assembled at the event.
Sims acknowledged the significant obstacle standing in the way of any potential deal, with AC Milan currently holding firm on their stance regarding the American winger’s future.
“If AC Milan doesn’t want to give him up, then it’s dead in the water,” Sims said, offering a candid assessment of where negotiations currently stand.
Pulisic’s contract with AC Milan runs through June 2027, with the Italian club also holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year, complicating any potential exit.
Adding further fuel to the speculation is the imminent opening of Etihad Park, NYCFC’s new Queens stadium, which is scheduled to welcome its first competitive match on July 17, 2027.
The club is widely understood to be searching for a marquee signing capable of generating excitement and drawing fans through the doors of their brand-new home from day one.
