January transfer window saw Chelsea sign Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping price of $ 74 million. Pulisic is the most expensive US national player to be signed by the premier league team. He will stay with Dortmund until the summer of 2019 on loan from Chelsea. This exceptional midfielder was rumoured to be linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona.
He came through the ranks of Dortmund football academy and played as a winger or an attacking midfielder. He can score goals and dribble really well. He even played in England with non-premier league side before he signed with Dortmund. He is Chelsea’s third most expensive signings after Kepa and Morata. He is a real bargain for Chelsea.
But, are fans happy?
What does this mean for Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard?
Fans and football pundits are applauding Pulisic’s signings but they are also pointing to a new scenario now. Pulisic is not a striker but an attacking midfielder like Hazard. It means he is not a new forward to play with Morata and Giroud but he is someone who can be compared to Hazard and may be a replacement of Hazard if the superstar decides to leave the club.
There are rumours that Hazard may not sign a new contract with the club. Fans want Hazard to stay and Pulisic to play alongside him. But, the team management is not signing a striker yet. This new signing has sparked a controversy and speculation that Hazard may leave the club.
However, there is a possibility that Pulisic can play alongside Hazard. They both can be two wingers. Pulisic can either replace Kante or Willian. Although he is a good recruit, it is not clear why Chelsea are not signing a new striker. Hazard is playing fine. They need someone to score goals upfront. The team need someone to play with Hazard and exploit his playmaking skill rather than replacing him. If they want to finish on top 4 and qualify for the Champions League next they should sign a new striker.
How to ensure top 4 finish?
Pulisic is a good signing but it will not lessen their goal drought. Second half of the league will be very challenging with the resurgence of Arsenal and Manchester United. Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool are strongly holding their position which makes the fight for the fourth spot even more interesting. Lack of goal scoring ability of the team and not having that critical support for Hazard will increase their worry even more.
With Pulisic, the team secured a potential midfielder who can carry forward the team in future. But, one thing for sure, he is not to replace Hazard or to score goals. The worry continues for the Blues.
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