Need to know
Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks amid reports he has been feeling homesick
Cole Palmer
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about the recent reports linking Cole Palmer with a move to Manchester United...
Reported transfer interest: Media outlets have reported that Cole Palmer is "open" to a sensational summer move to Manchester United. Sources suggest the 23-year-old would welcome interest from his boyhood club, though he has reportedly ruled out any return to Manchester City while Pep Guardiola is in charge.
Player stance and homesickness: Palmer is reportedly feeling unsettled and 'homesick' after spending two and a half years in London. He frequently returns to his hometown of Wythenshawe to visit family and friends, leading to claims that he misses life in the North West.
Chelsea's position: The Chelsea hierarchy reportedly views Palmer as 'untouchable' and has no intention of selling their star player. This firm stance is bolstered by the fact that Palmer signed a massive nine-year contract extension in 2024, which ties him to Stamford Bridge until 2033.
Links to Manchester United: Palmer was a vocal United supporter growing up and has previously named Wayne Rooney as his footballing idol. Furthermore, United's Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, has a strong connection to Palmer from their time together at the Manchester City academy.
Liam Rosenior's comments: The Chelsea boss Rosenior recently dismissed the exit rumors, stating that Palmer is 'very, very happy' and remains a central part of the club's long-term plans. Additionally, former manager Enzo Maresca previously noted that while Palmer is focused on helping the team, his long-term happiness might depend on the club's ability to secure Champions League football.
Pep Guardiola's comments: Guardiola has described Palmer's level of play as "exceptional," acknowledging him as one of the players of the season in 2024. He admitted that he 'didn’t give him the minutes he deserved' while at City, which Palmer has since found at Stamford Bridge.
Current salary at Chelsea: Palmer is reportedly earning a weekly wage of approximately £130,000 at Chelsea, which totals nearly £7million annually. This salary was established in August 2024 when he signed a long-term contract extension as a reward for his breakout debut season.
Contract length and incentives: His current deal at Stamford Bridge is one of the longest in football history, running until June 2033. The contract reportedly includes various performance-based incentives and potential yearly increases that could further boost his earnings over the remaining nine years.
Reported transfer valuation: Media reports suggest that Chelsea would likely value Palmer at more than £120million if they were ever forced to consider a sale. Both Transfermarkt and the CIES Football Observatory currently estimate his market value to be between £115-120million.