TV pundit Alan Shearer looks on.
Alan Shearer is not convinced by Pep Guardiola's comments on Cole Palmer.
Alan Shearer has expressed his scepticism about Pep Guardiola's previous claims that he "always knew" Chelsea talisman and now-England regular Cole Palmer was destined for stardom.
Despite Manchester City's reluctance, they allowed the homegrown talent, who was eager for more regular first-team action, to transfer to Chelsea in a deal exceeding £40million in 2023.
Given Palmer's exceptional displays - for club and country - over the past year-and-a-half, that move now seems like a bargain. Guardiola had consistently said he valued Palmer, despite him not being able to offer him a regular spot in his star-studded line-up.
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Earlier this year, Guardiola said: "If he plays regularly, yes. I didn't have any doubts about his quality. The way he's playing is a star player. He wanted the minutes, it was a question of time to show his immense quality."
However, Shearer isn't convinced City fully appreciated the prodigious talent they had. Following Palmer's two-goal display in Chelsea's 4-3 victory at Tottenham, the Newcastle United icon commented on The Rest is Football podcast: "I wonder how Man City are looking at him now and their decision [to let him leave]...
"I know they got big money for him - but I'm not sure they thought he would go to do the things he's doing - no way", reports The Mirror. Gary Lineker then noted: "Well, they got big money but nothing like what he'd be worth now."
Adding to the conversation, ex-City defender Micah Richards remarked: "At the time, it was perfect for City.
"He was homegrown, they got £40million, it's worth more because of [FFP] rules."
The sale of Palmer to Chelsea for £40million was, initially, seen as a good deal, with many thinking the player was worth the price tag as he often came off the bench. However, his former club now likely regrets the sale, given his impressive performances for Chelsea.
Palmer's current boss, Enzo Maresca, has praised him, saying: "I know Cole from time ago, I really trust him in every aspect. First of all, he's a fantastic boy, a fantastic guy and then, as I've said already many times, he has to learn.
"He is learning how to play the game when they mark him man-to-man. He is learning, he is improving, he is scoring goals, he is happy and we are all happy."
Palmer has become a key player for Chelsea, who are now just four points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after their win over Tottenham - in which he scored twice from the penalty spot.
Man City Champions League special
Manchester City want their European crown back. And this Manchester Evening News guide to the competition is the perfect companion to guide City fans through the new-look tournament.
In what could be the last try for Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne and a number of the squad that have won the last four Premier League titles, City are determined to go all the way once more in Europe.
2023 finalists Inter Milan, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are among the eight teams City must face in a new first phase that features 36 teams in one giant mini-league. City will hope and expect to make their way through the league phase and hopefully go all the way.
The Manchester Evening News will be there every step of the way to cover Guardiola's bid for glory as City look to put last season's disappointment behind them and show that they are the best team on the continent.
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