There has been reports linking Cole Palmer with a move back to Manchester, but the Chelsea star appears to have brushed them off.
21:47, 07 Feb 2026
Cole Palmer during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux.
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Cole Palmer has spoken out about the rumours linking him with a move away from Chelsea. (Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has hit back at rumours linking him with a move away from the club, as the Blues' star hit a his first-half hat-trick against Wolves.
The England international scored all of Chelsea's goals in the 3-1 win at Molineux. The first two came from the penalty spot, as the Blues continued their good form under Liam Rosenior.
After finding the net from the spot for the first time, Palmer didn't mark the occasion with his usual 'cold' celebration and instead ran towards the away end with his hands over his ears, before blowing a kiss towards the Chelsea fans.
It comes amid reports that he was suffering from homesickness and was ready to move back to Manchester with boyhood club Manchester United.
But Palmer now appears to have put those rumours to bed. Explaining his celebration to BBC Match of the Day after the win, he said:
"Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don't they? I don't pay too much attention to it," Palmer said. "You see things. But I feel like I've come from a strong place anyway so I don't pay attention to it."
The midfielder was also full of praise for manager Rosenior. "Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence," he said.
"Lets us be ourselves, play free. I'm sure when I'm back proper fit you'll see the best of me. Him and all the staff give us all confidence on the training pitch, with his strategies, the way we play... I really like it."
Palmer's season so far has been hit by injury, with the 21-year-old missing 21 games in all competitions this campaign. He has, however, featured in the last four games in all competitions, starting the last two Premier League matches.
He made a telling admission over his fitness. "I don't think [I'm 100% fit] just yet," he said.
Cole Palmer applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux.
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Cole Palmer scored a first-half hat-trick against Wolves. (Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
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"Obviously people don't know what goes on behind the scenes but being injured the whole season is not ideal and when I'm not able to perform as I want to because I've been injured, and still dealing with the injury, but hopefully I can get over the injury soon by managing it. I know what level I can provide when I feel 100% fit.
"Not being 100% fit isn't ideal, I still feel like I can help the team but when I'm back to full fitness I feel like I can go to another level."
Speaking to the club's website, Palmer added: "I've never been injured before in my career. This is something new to me, and I'm still finding out how to deal with it.
"It has been frustrating, I don’t feel like I’ve played a game this season fully fit. I've been going into games thinking, 'Can I do certain things? Can I not?' Overthinking it.
"The staff have been really good. I've been working closely with the physios on a day-to-day basis. They have all helped, and I'll get through it.
"I'm not here to make excuses, and '’ll get over the injuries. I know what I can do when I’m fit, and hopefully I can get back to that soon. For now, I just manage it and get there."
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