Chelsea land Pulisic in €64m deal but park him at Dortmund until next season

January 2 – No sooner has the January transfer window opened than cash-rich Chelsea are the first to strike, landing Borussia Dortmund forward Christian Pulisic for €64 million though  loaning him back to the German club until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old United States international, who was also linked with Liverpool and Arsenal, joined Dortmund as a youth player in 2015 and has scored nine goals in 23 games for the US.

“It’s a privilege to have signed for such a legendary club,” he said.

Dortmund director Michael Zorc said: “It was always Christian’s dream to play in the Premier League. That certainly has to do with his American background, and as a result we were unable to extend his contract.”

Pulisic has made 81 appearances in the German top flight and played 20 games in the Champions League.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia described Pulisic as “one of Europe’s most sought-after young players. At just 20, we believe he has the potential to become an important Chelsea player for many years to come.”

Pulisic’s signature is bound to increase speculation about the future of Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s much-prized Belgian international midfielder.

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