Cole Palmer's situation at Chelsea is getting more precarious as the days go by with murmurs suggesting that he is no longer settled at Stamford Bridge, despite establishing himself as the Blues' talisman-in-chief. As a result, the Englishman is being linked with a shock move away from west London.
It's not unfair to ask where Chelsea would be without the brilliance of three-time Premier League winner Palmer? In a world where they've splurged plenty of money on struggling talent, the acquisition of the 23-year-old in the summer of 2023 can be seen as shrewd.
That's especially the case given he, at the time of writing, has plundered 48 goals and a further 29 assists in 110 outings for the Blues, whether that be in the pocket behind the striker or on the right flank. Reports, however, believe that he could be on the move in the near future amid fears he no longer enjoys the life he's living in the capital.
Cole Palmer – Career Statistics
Club/Country
Chelsea
Manchester City
England
Palmer 'Unsettled' At Stamford Bridge, Reports Have Linked Him With Shock Transfer
cole palmer chelsea premier league
This season has not been all sunshine and rainbows for Palmer – who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League – as he's started just 11 matches across all competitions for the Blues. He's scored five times and is yet to assist a teammate.
Palmer, a Manchester City academy graduate, was at the front and centre of the club's success last term. They won the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis after a Palmer-inspired second-half and their Club World Cup triumph against Paris Saint-Germain was conducted by the fleet-footed forward, who scored twice in eight minutes to give his side a commanding lead.
Could his fairytale story, from being unwanted by Pep Guardiola to a pivotal member of a trophy-winning side, be coming to an end, though? The Sun have reported that Manchester-born Palmer is not enjoying the lifestyle of living down south and misses his friends from back home.
As a result, if ex-Chelsea man Enzo Maresca was to replace Guardiola in the City dugout, it is believed that Palmer would be tempted by a return to his boyhood club.
After rising up the ranks and impressing Guardiola as a result, Palmer made his first-team debut for City in a 3–0 away win over Burnley in the fourth round of the EFL Cup in September 2020. Six goals, two assists and a further 40 appearances followed – but he struggled to make the cut, thus why he left.
That's despite the fact that Palmer, 23, has been a Manchester United supporter since birth with his admiration for none other than Wayne Rooney becoming no secret. "When I do go back to the stadium it's good because, obviously, I used to go and watch matches there. Rooney was my icon. I support United, and he was the best player," he previously claimed.
The fact that Palmer may be tempted away from Stamford Bridge if a decent offer landed in his inbox may come as no surprise to the Stamford Bridge faithful due to the rumours that club higher-ups are wanting to build the team around Estevao, who is widely regarded as one of world football's best young players, instead of the 12-cap, two-goal England international.
Chelsea Legend Marcel Desailly Believes Palmer Could 'Hand In Transfer Request'
Marcel Desailly in action for Chelsea.
Whether Palmer will be upping and leaving Stamford Bridge any time soon remains to be seen but Marcel Desailly, who played for the Blues between 1998 and 2004, believes that he could soon be looking for the exit door. That said, he urged the Englishman to do so (if he pleases) with grace and decorum.
"If Cole Palmer decides to move away from Chelsea then that’s his business, but I just want him to respect the club, because they are the ones who have given him the tools to become the player he is now,” Desailly told Card Player, per Football365. “I would love him to stay at Stamford Bridge because he’s got a key role in the team, even if Enzo Maresca used him in various positions.
"I believe Palmer wants more stability and a system that’s built for him, but he still needs to fully recover from his groin injury and get back to full fitness. His recent performances speak for themselves, so he needs to stay humble and come back into the team to help the club, regardless of whether he stays or goes.
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“The question is whether he feels like Chelsea are going to win the Premier League in the next two seasons. If he doesn’t, I’m sure he will ask for a transfer request to a club that will build a system around him," Desailly continued before adding, "For now, however, he needs to hit his previous levels for Chelsea to help them and their new manager through this period.”
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 22/01/2026