New-look Milan under Massimiliano Allegri with five new starters: Is Christian Pulisic’s spot in jeopardy?

As Milan braces for a major summer overhaul following one of its most disappointing campaigns in recent memory, a new era is quietly taking shape at Milanello. With Massimiliano Allegri installed as the new head coach and Igli Tare brought in as sporting director, the Rossoneri are planning a comprehensive reset. But amid this transition, one question […]

As Milan braces for a major summer overhaul following one of its most disappointing campaigns in recent memory, a new era is quietly taking shape at Milanello. With Massimiliano Allegri installed as the new head coach and Igli Tare brought in as sporting director, the Rossoneri are planning a comprehensive reset. But amid this transition, one question quietly lingers: is Christian Pulisic’s place in the starting lineup still untouchable? 

After finishing eighth in Serie A, suffering a Coppa Italia final defeat, and enduring another early UEFA Champions League exit, Milan’s leadership decided drastic change was needed. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri is planning a more traditional, rigorous setup, complete with double training sessions under the summer heat. 

On the transfer front, the Italian boss and new club director Igli Tare appear to be operating in close partnership. Already, Luka Modric and Granit Xhaka are reported as incoming midfield signings, and the idea is clear: revamp key positions without dismantling the core entirely. Five new starters could soon be wearing the Rossoneri shirt. 

Pulisic joined Milan in the summer of 2023 with the expectation of becoming a pillar of the attack, and he largely delivered. The American winger often featured on the right of a front three alongside Rafael Leao and a rotating striker. But despite his contributions, a summer reset like this is never gentle — and Allegri is known for being both tactical and ruthless. 

In the likely post-reset formation, the Rossoneri’s attack remains mostly intact. The front line of Leao, Pulisic, and Santiago Gimenez is still being penciled in. But with new midfield profiles arriving, Allegri may have more flexibility to tinker with systems and player roles — a variable that could affect the 26-year-old’s time on the pitch. 

Changed midfield, changed dynamic 

The possible arrival of Modric and Xhaka, combined with Youssouf Fofana staying put, reshapes Milan’s midfield entirely. The old trio of Loftus-Cheek, Fofana, and Musah gave the team physicality but lacked creativity and control. Now, Allegri has options for a more composed, possession-based game. 

This shift could indirectly affect Pulisic. While he thrived in transition-heavy games under previous systems, the coach’s sides historically favor structure and balance. If the team leans into a slower buildup or even a narrower attacking shape, Pulisic might be required to adapt — or risk being rotated. 

Double sessions, double pressure

There’s no denying that Pulisic has been one of Milan’s most visible and commercially important players, especially in North America. But Allegri doesn’t pick lineups based on marketability. His insistence on discipline, fitness, and tactical clarity means that every player — even a marquee name like Pulisic — will have to prove their worth daily. 

Adding to the pressure is the arrival of Javi Guerra, a versatile midfielder who may not directly replace Pulisic but contributes to greater tactical depth, offering Allegri alternatives that could shift formations away from the standard 4-3-3. 

Despite the changes, the USMNT star currently retains his spot in the projected lineup, indicating Allegri values his skillset. But it’s also clear that Milan is building a squad where competition will be fierce, particularly in the final third.