Links between Manchester United and Cole Palmer are beginning to heat up and transfer expert Ben Jacobs has extra details.
Replacing Bruno Fernandes will be Manchester United’s toughest task in the upcoming years. The Portuguese playmaker has been a sensation at Old Trafford, and he will leave a huge void when he inevitably departs.
Would you be happy with Cole Palmer as Bruno Fernandes’ successor?
Can Palmer be the man to take over from the irreplaceable United captain?
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In terms of style of play, Cole Palmer is a good fit to replace Fernandes, and the fact he is a boyhood United fan only adds fuel to the fire.
Reports this week claim that Palmer is unsettled at Chelsea, which has naturally brought the United links to the forefront.
Cole Palmer playing against Brentford for Chelsea
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Ben Jacobs explains Chelsea’s stance on selling Cole Palmer
Even if Palmer was pushing to leave Stamford Bridge, Palmer’s contract length at Chelsea means that all the negotiating power lies with the London club.
The 23-year-old star is signed to Chelsea until 2033, so any transfer move will have to be done on their terms.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs was asked about United and Palmer, and his answer was clear.
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Speaking on The United Stand, Jacobs said: “I’m not aware of Manchester United trying for Cole Palmer.
Man Utd should pay _____ to sign Cole Palmer if he becomes available from Chelsea
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“Palmer was incredibly happy at Chelsea when he was fit and playing. As a consequence, I would be surprised if things have unravelled personally for Palmer. That means he’s out of love with either Chelsea or London.
“Chelsea don’t want to sell, by the way, either. So this feels like a non-starter in 2026. And I’d be surprised if in 2026 Man United took steps to add another number 10 because Cunha and Mbeumo, even though they can play in other areas, remain at the club.
“I suppose some fans will say if Bruno Fernandes goes, you fund a potential move for Cole Palmer and you’re replacing Bruno Fernandes with Cole Palmer.”
Matheus Cunha complicates Cole Palmer to Man United
This summer, Cunha took the iconic No.10 shirt at United, and that is the position he would prefer to play in the future.
So far, Cunha has been played off the left at United, or on occasion as a central striker.
But Jacobs believes that Cunha’s long-term ambition is to play as a central No.10 at United.
“Cunha wants to play centrally, by the way,” Jacobs said. “He doesn’t want to be a number nine, although that’s his secondary position.
READ MORE: Man United fans hatch theory about signing Cole Palmer after latest Chelsea update
“He doesn’t want to filter out wide. I don’t mean that, by the way, in a negative, like it’s not like he’s at Carrington going, ‘I only want to play in one position.’ But Cunha joined Man United as a 10, Mbeumo wants opportunities through the centre as well.
“And if they put their money on Cole Palmer, when finances will still be somewhat a consideration during the summer, despite the fact that squad cost ratio is coming in, it would likely stop them doing two big major midfielders.”
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