Chelsea’s worst fears are becoming more and more realistic. Failure to qualify for the Champions League will see their best players push for an exit, and Ryan Giggs wants Cole Palmer at Man United.
A sixth defeat in seven games on Saturday night to Michael Carrick’s side sees Chelsea remain in sixth, seven points behind Liverpool. It ends any hope Chelsea have of finishing in the top-five positions.
With six games to play, Chelsea would have to better Liverpool’s tally of points by seven out of a possible 18. At the moment, Chelsea cannot even avoid defeat, losing four league games in a row and not scoring.
There is a scenario in which Chelsea can remain in the Champions League. Aston Villa would have to win the Europa League, but also finish in fifth. Chelsea would have to remain in sixth, and that’s under threat.
Say what you want about Pedro Neto, but he had a better game against Manchester United than Cole Palmer 🤷♂️
Pedro Neto's stats vs United
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
With Champions League football off the table at Chelsea, the club’s best players will be tempted with an exit. Enzo Fernandez has been flirting with Real Madrid, and Palmer’s pal reckons he could join United.
Ryan Giggs explains why Man United should sign Cole Palmer
Palmer has been strongly linked with Man United, even if Julien Laurens does not think Man United can afford his £150m price tag. A lack of Champions League football may see Chelsea reduce that price tag.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast this week, Manchester United and Wales icon Giggs explained why he thinks his old side could do with the signing of Palmer – to take the weight off Bruno Fernandes.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
“Yeah, he would [fit the bill],” Giggs said, when asked about signing Palmer. “Manchester lad. Where would he play with Bruno as a 10? Play off the right, possibly. We talk about Hojlund and Sesko.
“It’s only Bruno who is constantly creating things, time and time again. What if Bruno has a bad day, or he’s injured? You need three or four players in your squad who can make that happen,” Giggs continued.
What Cole Palmer has said about his Chelsea future
During the international break, Chelsea players Fernandez and Marc Cucurella made it clear they would consider leaving Chelsea. Both players have been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Are YOU starting to lose patience with Rosenior?
The sympathy is gone…
But unlike Fernandez and Cucurella, Palmer said he has no plans to leave the club: “I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea. We’ve still got a lot to play for. We’ve got the FA Cup semi-final [against Leeds].
“If we finish in a Champions League spot it puts us in a good position to sign players that we need. We spoke to the owners and they’re sure of the players that are gonna do it,” Palmer said before Saturday.
Whether Palmer suddenly feels differently about his future at Chelsea with a Champions League spot almost impossible at this stage, remains to be seen. He has a contract at Chelsea until June 2033.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox