Cole Palmer leaving Chelsea for Manchester United would make sense, considering he was a boyhood fan of the club, according to Louis Saha. However, the former Red Devils striker can only see Palmer walking away from Stamford Bridge for one club - Real Madrid.
Chelsea raised eyebrows last year when they splurged £42.5million to sign the Manchester City attacker and handed him a seven-year contract.
But Palmer has dispelled all doubt by contributing 36 goals and 21 assists across his first 62 appearances for the Blues.
He has established himself among the Premier League's poster boys, naturally sparking conversation about how he can propel his blooming career to the next level.
Saha has weighed in on the discussion, admitting he could visualise Palmer making a stunning switch to Old Trafford in the future.
"Cole Palmer to Manchester United would one day make sense because he grew up being a fan of the club, but there is only one club I can see him going to after Chelsea," the Frenchman told Complete Sports.
However, Saha added that he believes the cold talisman can reach the epitome of club football by signing for Real.
He continued: "I can see him being on a trajectory to Real Madrid, and I don't think the move would phase him; he never doubts himself or thinks about things for too long.
"He wants to enjoy his game, and he's having fun. I'm very jealous of Chelsea because he is a huge star, and I think he'd be a big success if he went to Spain."
Palmer will be satisfied at Chelsea, where he is supporting an unlikely Premier League title challenge in Enzo Maresca's first season in charge.
The 22-year-old has also established himself in the England set-up, earning 11 senior caps since his November 2023 debut and scoring in the Euro 2024 final.
Saha has heaped praise on his mentality and consistency, insisting that United are missing both qualities.
"In hindsight, it's easy to say that Manchester United should've signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City, but it wasn't so obvious at the time," Saha explained.
"Looking at him now, you can see that he lives for the game, and he always wants to play and improve.
"He is constantly proving people wrong, and there is no limit to what he can achieve. I'm a huge fan of his mentality and his consistency.
"United don't have that at the moment; they also have the headache with the director of football. It's not easy."