New York City FC CEO Brad Sims expressed confidence in the club's appeal to top soccer talent, including U.S. national team star Christian Pulisic. Sims confirmed the club's interest in Pulisic but indicated that the player is not currently available.
"If you’re buying into MLS and you’re a high-profile player, you know New York City is going to be at the very top of the vast majority of people’s list," Sims said in an interview. "That’s a competitive advantage for us, and then you see what we’re doing with building the ‘Cathedral of Soccer’ for this sport, and not just in New York, but in this country."
Pulisic, who has two years remaining on his contract with AC Milan, has not publicly commented on his future with the Serie A club, which has reportedly not sought his departure. News of NYCFC's interest first emerged last month, with reports suggesting the club was preparing a significant offer to bring him to Major League Soccer.
Sims stated that MLS as a whole is interested in Pulisic joining the league, and that NYCFC would be interested if he became available. The club is set to move into a new stadium next season, and Sims believes a player of Pulisic's caliber would be a significant addition to excite the fanbase and elevate the club's profile.
He described Pulisic as "qualifying" to be a flagship player for NYCFC, which aims to be the "undisputed flagship franchise of Major League Soccer." Sims acknowledged that competition for Pulisic would be substantial if he becomes available, given his experience in leagues like the Premier League and interest from other MLS clubs.