The star player Cole Palmer is facing an uncertainty over his future at Chelsea. Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly believes Cole Palmer “will hand in a transfer request” if he doesn’t see the Blues Winning the Premier League in the not-too-distant future. Palmer has endured a frustrating season, starting just 11 games across all competitions thanks to a number of injury issues. He missed Chelsea’s win over Pafos on Wednesday with a thigh problem. Having missed a big chunk of the campaign through a groin injury and further games after breaking his toe in frustration at losing a game of FIFA. It would be interesting to see what arrangements the club makes for Palmer.
New head coach Liam Rosenior hopes to have Palmer fit and firing for the Blues as soon as possible. But Desailly reckons the England international could soon be looking for the exit (to Manchester United) and urged Palmer to “respect the club” if he does push to leave. “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. “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. Although 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. “The question is whether he feels like Chelsea are going to win the Premier League in the next two seasons.”
Chelsea with Palmer vs. Pafos
Rosenior’s first taste of a Champions League game had been a frustrating one for 78 minutes. With Enzo Fernandez seeing a first-half header ruled out for a push and Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter pulling off a string of saves—including three to deny Caicedo—for the stubborn visitors. The Cypriot champions—now 30th in the standings—even struck the woodwork at the other end. With a Jaja strike deflecting off Reece James’ arm and onto a post. Penalty appeals from the visitors were rightly waved away. The Blues’ captain had his arm tucked into his chest, but Chelsea still received a warning. Chelsea brought on Estevao at halftime to spark the team missing the rested Cole Palmer. But a fierce volley from the Brazilian was saved by Gorter before Bruno made a goal-saving block. Defender Derrick Luckassen then flew in to prevent Alejandro Garnacho from scoring. But just as Chelsea nerves began to jangle and concerns about them missing out on a top eight finish rose, Caicedo met a corner unintentionally flicked on by Pafos’ Nany Dimata to nod in the decisive goal and give Rosenior an ideal start to life in this competition.
Man of the Match,
Chelsea vs Pafos FC.
🇪🇨👤 Moises Caicedo (⭐️ 8.9)
1 Goal
4/4 Total shots
98% Accurate passes
100% Accurate long balls pic.twitter.com/LOds63Jvo8
— Bridgways. (@Bridgways) January 22, 2026
Fan’s reaction
Chelsea are not liking the situation around Palmer at all. They want to keep the player at the club and let him do what he does the best. Fans have shown their anger through social media, as they want Palmer to stay at the Stamford Bridge.
Author’s insight
From the author’s point of view, it would be best for the player if he stayed at Chelsea.
As featured on Chelseanews.com