USA legend Brad Friedel believes it will be tough for Christian Pulisic to earn a move away from Chelsea in January, even off the back of a successful World Cup campaign.
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Pulisic pushed to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window with Manchester United among the clubs who were eager to sign him.
The former Borussia Dortmund star grew frustrated over his lack of game time under Thomas Tuchel with his first-team prospects only slightly improving under Graham Potter, who recently deployed the USA captain in an unfamiliar wing-back role.
The World Cup in Qatar will offer him a stage to shine with the US beginning their group campaign against Wales on 21 November, following by a meeting with England four days later.
And while Premier League great Friedel believes it is vital for Pulisic to have a good World Cup, he is not convinced his club fortunes will immediately change.
Asked if a good World Cup will encourage Pulisic to push for a new club or boost his Chelsea chances, Friedel told Metro.co.uk on behalf of OLBG: ‘I don’t think a good World Cup boosts his Chelsea chances.
‘With Thomas Tuchel and now Graham Potter, they get to see what he does every day, so by him performing well in front the staff and playing well in the matches is what will boost his chances there.
‘In regard to the US, it’s vital that he plays well because he’s one of our best players.
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‘A move away is a tricky one for clubs, normally you wouldn’t want to purchase someone on the back of a good World Cup.
‘However, with somebody like Christian Pulisic, people will already know what he can bring from his time at Borussia Dortmund and now Chelsea.
‘So, if he does have a good run, it could change some things for him, but then you have to consider that the January transfer window is a tough time to get deals done.
‘Let’s put it this way, it never hurts to perform well at any time.
‘I don’t know if Christian Pulisic wants to leave or wants to stay and fight for his place or what Graham Potter’s plans are for him. But having a good World Cup won’t hurt on all fronts.’
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