Last week, Cole Palmer stressed how important it was that Chelsea qualified for the Champions League. After the weekend’s results, qualification looks unlikely, and Paul Merson thinks he’ll leave.
Palmer made the point that with Champions League football, Chelsea can attract the kind of player they need to go on to the next level. The England star himself said he had no plans to leave Stamford Bridge.
But after Chelsea were beaten by the club linked most with a move for his services, the Blues then saw Liverpool and Aston Villa score last-minute winners on Sunday. Chelsea are now seven adrift of Liverpool.
Indeed, Bournemouth and Brentford are on level points. It makes Palmer’s comments sound horrific with hindsight, openly suggesting that without the Champions League, Chelsea won’t make the right signings.
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It also opens up a question mark over Palmer’s future. Why would he want to playing his football at a club that cannot attract the players he feels they need to meet his ambitions? Paul Merson has had his say.
Paul Merson predicts Cole Palmer exit if one thing happens
Speaking to Sky Sports, Chelsea fan and Arsenal icon Merson does not believe Chelsea will qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. He doesn’t even think Chelsea will be able to beat Brighton.
Merson claims that if Chelsea only manage to qualify for the Conference League, which is a real possibility given the teams chasing them, then Palmer will be convinced he has to leave. Man United are pushing.
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“If Chelsea don’t beat Brighton on Tuesday, they could be 11th by the end of the week. And do I expect them to beat Brighton on Tuesday? No. No Champions League football will be a kick in the teeth.
“Do you think Palmer will be at Chelsea playing in the Conference League? I don’t think so. Man United will get into the Champions League, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was playing there next season.”
What expert Julien Laurens has said about interest in Palmer
Ever since the turn of the year, Man United have been linked with Palmer. Just this week, Ryan Giggs explained why he would like his old club to do a deal for the Chelsea and England star in the summer.
On a free transfer, he has to be considered!
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Bought for £40m from Man City in 2023, Chelsea have seven years left on Palmer’s deal. Reports claim Chelsea would want a whopping £150m for Palmer if they were ever forced into selling the playmaker.
But according to Laurens, interested clubs like Bayern and United will struggle to afford that: “Financially, there aren’t many clubs that could sign him. I’m not even sure United could spend £150m on him.”
Chelsea could miss out on an enormous £300m if they fail to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, and that may convince the likes of Todd Boehly and Clearlake to reduce their asking price come the summer.
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