Manchester United have been given an indication that there may be a way towards a grand purchase of Cole Palmer this year. This comes after claims that the star is homesick and wants to return to the northwest of England. However, both Chelsea’s attitude towards a sale and the staggering transfer fee pose very significant obstacles.
The 23-year-old England international has fulfilled his world-class potential since being bought by Chelsea from Manchester City for £40 million in the summer of 2023. He has scored an impressive 48 goals and made 29 assists in 110 games – a direct goal level of once every 1.42 games for “The Blues”.
Fantastically expensive homesickness with prohibitive pricing!
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Cole Palmer’s good form has also earned him 12 caps for England, and on his best days, Palmer has shown that he is one of the country’s most naturally gifted playmakers.
We at Sporten.com reported earlier this week that Palmer is eager to leave London after three years and return to his roots in the northwest. This gives Manchester United the perfect opportunity to sign the star, who was born in Wythenshawe, Manchester.
Now, according to Express, Palmer has made it clear to Chelsea that he feels homesick in London and wants to return to Manchester.
Although the newspaper claims that salary would not be an issue for “The Red Devils”, his transfer fee will pose a significant hurdle. Chelsea are reportedly ready to put a prohibitive price of over £100 million on his head.
It is understood that they could ask for as much as £120 million for him – a sum that United will need to consider carefully, as attacking midfield is not considered a priority this year.
Furthermore, although Palmer has always been seen as “the one who got away” for United, a double update from both Fabrizio Romano and The Telegraph has outlined the huge obstacles facing the club.
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Chelsea make their stance on Cole Palmer exit clear
Amid speculation that Palmer is ready to make a transfer request to force a sale, Romano has now spoken out against any suggestion that Chelsea will approve a sale.
“We’ve had rumours in England about Cole Palmer’s desire to return to Manchester, maybe to Man Utd, that Palmer will leave Chelsea this summer. In January, nothing happens. At this stage, Chelsea’s position is very clear,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“They see Palmer as a crucial part of their project. Chelsea do not want Palmer to leave the club. Today, Liam Rosenior said at his press conference that he is a crucial part of our long-term project. He said, ‘I’ve had several conversations with Cole, and he’s very happy here.'”
“Chelsea are not on alert for anything at this stage. Of course, there will always be rumours surrounding Palmer, a fantastic player.”
“But as of today, in January, nothing is happening and Chelsea are counting on Palmer at this stage.”
The Telegraph claims that Palmer is part of a new group of “untouchable” players at Chelsea, along with captain Reece James and midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Before Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace, Rosenior was also asked about the future of the 23-year-old player.
“I’ve had several conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here. He is very, very happy to be here,” Rosenior said.
“He is a huge part of our long-term plans. He is an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult periods in his career when it comes to injuries. I don’t think it reflects his qualities. He is an outstanding footballer.”
Former Premier League star Darren Ambrose, on the other hand, is clear that a transfer cannot be ruled out, but suggests that it could happen in the summer, rather than this month.
“They’re not going to like this; I don’t think Liam Rosenior is going to like it either, to be honest,” Ambrose said of the speculation that Palmer wants to leave Chelsea.
“I know he’s had his injury problems, but he’s their most important player. He’s the best player at Chelsea, let’s be honest, when he’s fit.”
“Manchester United, on the other hand, are on the rise, shall we say, and yes, they have an interim manager at the moment in Michael Carrick – who knows where that will lead and who will be their manager in the long run – but you just never know…”
“But I can’t imagine it happening in January, to be honest. It would require a lot of money, if they can get it done in January. But it could be something for the future…”
Ambrose then explained why a high-profile, expensive exit from Chelsea cannot be ruled out in the future, adding: “You know what Chelsea’s model is like. They buy the young players and sell them on at a great profit.”
“Cole Palmer is still only 23, by the way, it seems like he’s been here for ages, but still only 23, so I can watch this story last until the summer, that’s for sure.”
“He’s crucial to Chelsea’s future, and to Rosenior, and if he’s going to be anywhere near the length of his [six-year contract], he’s going to want to keep Cole Palmer, that’s for sure.”
