Cole Palmer swapped the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge in September 2023 and he hasn't looked back since
11:15, 23 Jan 2026
Cole Palmer of Chelsea reacts during a Chelsea FC Training Session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 20, 2026 in Cobham, England
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Cole Palmer has been enjoying life at Chelsea(Image: Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Cole Palmer will be looking to knuckle down and let his football to be the talking this weekend. The 23-year-old midfielder, whose season has been plagued by injuries, could return to action when Chelsea lock horns with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.
He suffered a groin injury at the start of the campaign, only to be rushed back from the treatment room and aggravate the problem a week later. Palmer spent the next two months or so on the sidelines before reappearing in December.
Between Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, the England international has been carefully reintegrated into the starting lineup. He hasn't quite found his feet yet, leading some to cast an element of doubt over his future.
So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Palmer and what he really thinks about Chelsea - with rumours circulating that Manchester United are keeping tabs on him...
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Palmer relishes Chelsea challenge
Palmer put pen to paper on a seven-year contract, which included a club option of a further year, at Stamford Bridge in September 2023. Upon signing for Chelsea, expressed his excitement in the project.
"I’m excited to get started and it feels great to sign," the former Manchester City midfielder told club media. "I’ve joined Chelsea because the project here sounds good and because of the platform I will have to try to showcase my talents. It is a young and hungry squad and, hopefully, we can do something special here."
Cole Palmer upon signing for Chelsea
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Cole Palmer upon signing for Chelsea(Image: Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
'The most annoying thing' about living in London
Shortly after leaving the south of Manchester – in his native Wythenshawe – for west London, Palmer earned his first call-up to the England team. Ahead of his senior debut for the Three Lions, the Chelsea talisman was asked what 'most annoying thing' was about London.
Speaking to reporters at St George's Park, Palmer said: "The most annoying thing? The traffic, that’s the biggest thing for me. Everything else I am enjoying. It is hotter than Manchester as well."
Then, on his move to Stamford Bridge, Palmer added; "It happened fast, to be fair. I spoke to someone at Chelsea and I was speaking to my dad but I really didn't know what to do.
Cole Palmer
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Cole Palmer could make his full Premier League debut for Chelsea against Fulham(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
"I was just thinking about it for a couple of days, near enough every minute of the day. But then I just thought for my career and stuff, I have to go and try and get regular game time.
"It was a big move for me. I’d never been out of Manchester, not even on loan or anything like that, so to move down there on my own was a big thing. When I first went down there, it was difficult, like staying in a hotel and stuff, but now I have settled in more and I’m enjoying it.
"Obviously you know how good of a manager Pep is and he gave me the opportunity and the platform to kick-start my career, so I’ll always be grateful to him.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea.
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Cole Palmer had a great start to life at Chelsea.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
"Who knows what would have happened if I had stayed. Maybe I would have played more, maybe not. But I think the decision that I made to go to Chelsea so far is paying off."
'I never planned to leave Man City!'
In an interview with Sky Sports in January 2024, Palmer revealed that he never planned to leave Manchester City. The Chelsea star said: "My thing was to never leave City. That was not my intention. I wanted to go on loan for a year, come back and be ready for the first team.
"But they said I couldn't go on loan, either stay or you get sold. So then, Chelsea rang me. I said I wanted to go to Chelsea and I'm really happy to be here. I'm very glad I made the decision to come here."
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their sides first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their sides first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham (Image: Chris Lee)
'I was a Man Utd fan growing up'
Then, in April 2024, Palmer was asked if was a childhood Manchester United fan. Speaking on TNT Sports following a thrilling 4-3 win over the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge, the Blues star said: "Yeah, when I was growing up I was a United fan."
On whether there was an incentive to score, he said: "I just think to try and do the same thing to each time. But I’ve scored away and a few here today, so I’m buzzing.
"I just try and take each game as it comes and show the Chelsea fans and everyone what I came here to do and that is just play football."
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer
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Cole Palmer caused momentary panic for Chelsea fans whilst away with England(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Palmer commits future to Chelsea
In August 2024, Palmer committed his long-term future to Chelsea by signing a two-year contract extension, which keeps him at Stamford Bridge until at least June 2033. Squashing any speculation, he told club media: "I’m delighted to sign this new deal.
"I achieved a lot in my first season here and hopefully I can continue to experience great things at this club, both on a personal level and in terms of bringing success and trophies to Chelsea."
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Chelsea star Cole Palmer waves to the crowd at Stamford Bridge(Image: (Image: Getty))
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Palmer relives Old Trafford memories
In January 2025, Palmer claimed that he enjoys playing at Old Trafford after growing up as a Manchester United fan. Speaking to Sky Sports, the England international said: "When I do go back to the stadium [Old Trafford] it's good because I used to go and watch matches there."
When asked who his idol was growing up, Palmer named Wayne Rooney. He said: "Obviously I supported United and he was probably the best player when I was watching them."