Cole Palmer has made his position clear on a potential return to Manchester this summer as former boss Enzo Maresca looks set to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad
10:53, 19 May 2026
Cole Palmer talks with Chelsea's Italian head coach Enzo Maresca following the pre-season friendly football match between Chelsea and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge
View 2 Images
Cole Palmer has already given his thoughts on the prospect of a move back to Manchester as Enzo Maresca reportedly prepares to take over at the Etihad(Image: HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Even a reunion with Enzo Maresca may prove insufficient in persuading Cole Palmer to make a return to Manchester City this summer. That's based on comments he made earlier this year regarding the persistent speculation surrounding a potential Manchester homecoming.
Palmer departed City for Chelsea nearly three years ago when he secured a £42.5million switch to west London. While the fee appeared substantial at the time, it rapidly proved to be exceptional value after Palmer flourished into a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
That individual brilliance continued under Maresca's stewardship and his former manager could seek to engineer a reunion should he succeed the departing Pep Guardiola this summer. Nevertheless, Palmer appears unlikely to be swayed, judging by remarks he made just last month.
"Everyone just talks," he told The Guardian in April. "When I see it I just laugh. Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don't miss it. Maybe I'll miss it if I don't go for three months or something. But then when I get home I think there's nothing there for me anyway.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"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] and if we finish in a Champions League spot it puts us in a good position to sign players that we need."
That presents a particular obstacle given Chelsea will not secure qualification for next season's Champions League following a disappointing spell of results. Not only that but the Blues are uncertain to qualify for Europe at all ahead of Tuesday's match at home to Tottenham.
Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane has just two fixtures remaining in charge and could still secure a Europa League place. However, even that appears improbable as the Blues attempt to rise from 10th and bridge the four-point deficit to Brighton in seventh.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, talks to Cole Palmer during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage
View 2 Images
Maresca could target a reunion with Palmer if he takes over from Pep Guardiol as expected this summer(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso's appointment as Chelsea's next permanent manager is one that could prove instrumental in retaining Palmer's services, too. The chance to work under such a legendary Premier League midfielder doesn't present itself every day, adding further weight to suggestions Chelsea's No. 10 will remain.
Palmer elaborated on discussions he's held with his captain, Reece James, regarding Chelsea's progression. The 24-year-old even revealed the extent to which he and his team-mate have undertaken such planning themselves, demonstrating the commitment Palmer has to the Chelsea project.
"We spoke to the owners and they're sure of the players that are gonna," he continued. "Reece won't sign a six-year contract if he's not spoken to the owners and the directors.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
"Me and Reece spoke a lot. About things we need, players we need to sign and how things need to be. He wouldn't sign a new contract if he didn't know what was going on."
Palmer's influence this season has not been quite as pronounced given his battle with fitness for much of the campaign. Nevertheless, he remains an integral piece of the jigsaw at Stamford Bridge, where he is contracted until the summer of 2033.
Article continues below
Chelsea's failure to secure European football could necessitate player sales this summer, though Palmer is one asset the club will go to great lengths to retain. Should he depart, however, he would be expected to command a considerably higher fee than the one Chelsea paid for his signature nearly three years ago.