Chelsea star Cole Palmer's move to Manchester United won't be happening any time soon but there was once a time where it was very close to happening
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer was linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Cole Palmer's move to Manchester United is off despite being heavily linked with the club this week. Reports stated that he was unhappy in London and, being a United fan, a move to Old Trafford seemed plausible.
However, as revealed by The Mirror, United will not be seeking a move for the England international, instead prioritising the signing of a world class defensive midfielder. The club only acquired Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha last summer so they are well-stacked in the attacking midfield department.
However, there was once a time where Palmer came ever so close to penning a deal with United. Speaking to the Talk of the Devils podcast last year, academy coach Colin Little revealed what he knew about a possible move for Palmer.
"I know Cole Palmer’s family quite well, I know his dad and his uncle," he said in 2025. "We (Man United) were close to getting Cole Palmer when he was about 16, believe it or not.
"He was umming and ahhing, and I knew he was a big United fan. He was at that age where you’re allowed to leave, 16 is it? They were umming and ahhing, Man City, about it.
"I think City, in the end, made him a good enough offer, but really he was always a United fan, and it was close, I remember speaking.
Cole Palmer
Palmer has struggled with an injury this season and is yet to hit top form(Image: Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"I think City needed to show him a bit more love and that kind of stuff. We never quite got it over the line, but it would’ve been nice if we did, wouldn’t it?"
Palmer signed a nine-year contract with Chelsea when he joined the club in 2023, so he is tied down to the club until at least 2033. Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has spoken openly about the speculation this week.
"There's no reason for assurance. It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere. There's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation. That's where I'm at," said Rosenior.
Cole Palmer
Palmer will be staying put for now(Image: Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"Cole is very happy. I've had numerous conversations with him. Our thoughts are on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him.
"He loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player. You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth. There's no point in having a discussion about it."
Palmer has previously addressed the fact he is a boyhood United fan, telling TNT Sports after bagging a hat-trick against them at Stamford Bridge in 2024. "Yeah, when I was growing up, I was a United fan. I just think to try and do the same thing," he said.
"But I've scored away and a few here today, so I'm buzzing. I just try and take each game as it comes and show the Chelsea fans and everyone what I came here to do, and that is just play football."