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Chelsea have responded emphatically to Manchester United’s reported interest in a blockbuster strike for Cole Palmer, according to a new update.
Not for sale
Air sports states that the Blues regard Palmer as “untouchable” at Stamford Bridge, and that he remains a “key player” on whom the club’s future will be built. Reports emerged this week that the 23-year-old striker, who has a contract until 2033, was “unsettled” in London and was open to a return to the north-west of England.
Palmer was born in Wythenshawe, a town less than ten miles from Manchester city centre, and maintains close family ties in the area. Despite being a boyhood Red Devil, he joined Manchester City’s youth team as an eight-year-old and quickly rose through the ranks.
Interestingly, Jason Wilcox – Old Trafford’s sporting director – was in charge of the Citizens academy during this time and played a key role in Palmer staying at the club once the academy coaches had decided to release him. “City were prepared to release Palmer at the age of 16 only for the club’s then director, Jason Wilcox, a great champion of the player, to emphatically veto such a move at a meeting,” the spokesman said. The Telegraph reveals.
The England international eventually left the Etihad in 2023 after Chelsea completed a £40 million deal with City – a price that many raised eyebrows at, but has proven to be an absolute bargain amid a sea of wasted money at Stamford Bridge.
He has scored 41 goals and provided 20 assists in 81 Premier League appearances, firmly establishing himself as one of Europe’s best number 10s.
Happy in London
Sky Sports indicate that Chelsea managers are not bothered by the ties with United – or any other club – where Palmer is considered “happy” where he is. “Recent reports have suggested the England international was feeling unsettled in London and was open to a move to Manchester United to return to the North West, but Chelsea believe the player is happy at Stamford Bridge.
“Palmer’s season was hampered by injuries to his groin, toe and, most recently, thigh that forced him to miss Sunday’s win at Crystal Palace, but he returned to training on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League match against Napoli.” From United’s perspective: a chase for Palmer – a left-footed attacking midfielder or right winger – only made sense if Bruno Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford was coming to an end.
Recent reports from the Mancunian club indicate that INEOS wants the Portugal international to stay beyond the summer, despite interest from Bayern Munich and the Saudi Pro League. It is believed Fernandes is waiting to see who will be appointed as Ruben Amorim’s long-term successor this summer, with Michael Carrick currently in charge of the team on an interim basis until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old’s contract includes a £57m release clause for clubs outside England; Therefore, if any of his suitors paid the required amount, United would have no control over his departure. It is perhaps this uncertainty that has led to the prospect of bombing a Premier League rival in search of a replacement – with a report indicating United may even be willing to submit a £120m bid.
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