Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is open to joining Manchester United this summer, according to reports emerging this week. The 23-year-old England international, who left Manchester City for Chelsea in September 2023, is reportedly feeling homesick in London and would welcome the chance to move back to Manchester.
Palmer has become a key player for Chelsea since his arrival, scoring 41 goals and providing 19 assists in two-and-a-half seasons with the club. However, sources close to the player indicate he is unsettled in the capital and misses his hometown of Wythenshawe in the Manchester area, where he frequently returns to visit family and friends.
Background
Palmer's journey through Manchester football began at Manchester City, where he came through the academy before being sold to Chelsea for £42.5 million in September 2023. At City, he caught the attention of academy head Jason Wilcox, who believed the young attacker had the potential to become one of the world's best players. Wilcox, now Manchester United's director of football, is overseeing recruitment at Old Trafford alongside former Manchester City chief operating officer Omar Berrada.
Since joining Chelsea, Palmer has established himself as one of the Premier League's most dangerous attacking players. Last season, he signed an improved contract that runs until 2033, seemingly securing his long-term future at Stamford Bridge. This season, however, has been disrupted by injury. Palmer has been restricted to just 12 league appearances due to a problematic groin issue and was recently left out of Chelsea's squad for the match against Crystal Palace.
Key Details
Palmer's openness to a Manchester United move comes as United's midfield faces significant changes. Captain Bruno Fernandes, 31, has 18 months remaining on his current contract and has again been linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Fernandes rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal last summer but has now been linked with a potential departure at the end of this season.
Additionally, United's midfield will undergo restructuring with midfielder Casemiro expected to leave at the end of the season, while fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte's future remains uncertain after struggling to establish himself since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain.
Palmer's Preference
While Palmer is open to a move to United, he has made clear he would not entertain a return to Manchester City, despite his history with the club. United remain his preferred destination because he supported the club as a child and has family connections to the Manchester area.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has publicly stated that Palmer is happy at the club. In recent comments, Rosenior said:
"I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here. He is very, very happy to be here. He's a huge part of our plans in the long term. He's an outstanding player."
Rosenior attributed Palmer's recent absence from the squad to injury rather than any dissatisfaction, noting that every player experiences difficult moments during their careers due to injury setbacks.
What This Means
For Chelsea, any potential departure of Palmer would represent a significant loss. The club would demand a substantial fee to consider selling a player they have long considered untouchable. Palmer's contract runs until 2033, giving Chelsea strong use in any negotiations.
For Manchester United, Palmer represents a potential solution to their midfield challenges. If Fernandes does leave and Casemiro departs as expected, United will need to invest heavily in that area of the pitch. Palmer's attacking qualities and potential connection to Jason Wilcox could make him an attractive target.
United manager Michael Carrick is planning talks with Fernandes and his representatives to discuss the midfielder's future before the World Cup, with the club preparing for what could be a significant summer of recruitment. Any move for Palmer would likely depend on how those conversations develop.
The timing of these reports, coming shortly after Liam Rosenior's appointment as Chelsea manager, has raised questions about Palmer's true feelings regarding his future at Stamford Bridge. What remains clear is that while Palmer may be open to a move, Chelsea will not make any decision easy for United or any other interested club.
