Paul Merson highlighted that it is plausible Chelsea “will sell” Cole Palmer if presented with a £100m deal, in light of Jamie Carragher’s assertions on the former Manchester City star potentially joining Manchester United in the future.
Despite the Blues expending almost £1 billion in transfer fees since Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, and their BlueCo associates acquired Chelsea two summers ago, the acquisition of Palmer has emerged as the club’s most astute transaction. After facing difficulties securing a position in the City squad under Pep Guardiola, Palmer transferred to Stamford Bridge for a cost of £42.5 million (€50.5 million, $56.1 million).
The 22-year-old has progressed significantly, contributing to 41 goals (26 goals, 15 assists) in 48 matches during his first season, resulting in Palmer being awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year and securing a position in England’s team for the European Championships.
The Blues, having executed a substantial nine-year contract upon his arrival last summer, have demonstrated a significant commitment to the star. Recently, the London club has also taken steps to extend the contract of another summer signing, Nicolas Jackson, who is now secured at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2033.
Merson is doubtful that either Palmer or Jackson would remain for an extended duration and believes that substantial offers for either would prompt them to capitalise on both players.
Merson stated on Sky Sports: “They must focus solely on the outcomes on the pitch, yet I remain uncertain about the strategy.” I remain unaware of the strategy.
Nicolas Jackson is contracted until 2033. If Jackson scores 25 goals in the upcoming season, he will be sold. That is the entire concept.
If Cole Palmer continues to excel, he will become a £100m player. He will be sold for £100 million. That is the operational procedure; they do not want for all these players to exhaust their contracts.
Cole Palmer to Manchester United? Carragher elucidates the rationale for a potential transfer.
Merson’s recommendations follow a statement by his Sky Sports associate Jamie Carragher, who recently proposed that Manchester United would pursue Palmer for a potential return to his north-west origins.
Carragher articulated his hypothesis and the potential for a transition during his discussion with The Overlap: “An insight has just occurred to me…”
If Chelsea has another disappointing season, we already discussed Manchester United’s significant issues on the right wing.
“Palmer is an ardent supporter of Manchester United, is he not?” Should United not consider revisiting this matter in 12 months if the situation does not improve?
I believe that is a possibility. Cole Palmer to Manchester United.
Palmer excelled under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance last season and has already recorded one goal and four assists under his successor, Enzo Maresca, this season.
Palmer encountered greater difficulty against Bournemouth on Saturday evening, as he was predominantly neutralised and fouled four times throughout the match.
Maresca says that the 22-year-old may need to acclimatise to such treatment as he becomes a targeted individual.
Maresca stated, “Such players are likely to possess these attributes.” “[Lewis] Cook was assigned to mark him man-to-man for 95 minutes before we repositioned him to the wide area.” The task is challenging for Cole and all players. You must identify an alternative option.
Chelsea issued a warning on Musiala; Guehi’s comeback is challenging.
Despite expending substantial resources in the transfer market, the Chelsea squad remains unfinished, and they may pursue summer target Victor Osimhen when the winter transfer window starts on January 1.
They are also significantly associated with a potential acquisition of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, as the defender has thrived since his transfer to the club in the summer of 2021.
Following a significant summer effort by Newcastle to secure his signature, reports now suggest that a possible transfer to another club may arise in 2025, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the teams exploring a potential agreement.
Football Insider says that Guehi is disinterested in returning to Stamford Bridge, as he is likely to be enticed by ‘more tempting offers.’
TEAMtalk has ascertained that Chelsea’s interest in re-acquiring former academy player Jamal Musiala is authentic; nonetheless, it appears exceedingly challenging to execute, as Bayern Munich is emphasising a new contract for the player.
Palmer’s statistics demonstrate his superiority.
Since his transfer to Stamford Bridge, Palmer has demonstrated superior skill for the Blues, consistently exhibiting his abilities and validating the early potential he had when emerging at the Etihad.
The relocation to London has yielded significant rewards, as Palmer has garnered several accolades, and the player is poised to enhance his list of honours, which already features notable statistics.
Appearances in the Premier League: 56
Goals in the Premier League: 23
Assists in the Premier League: 16
Largest goal tally: 4 (vs Everton, April 2024)
Hat-tricks in the Premier League: 2
Emerging Player of the Season: 2023/24
Objective for the Month: 2
Premier League championship medals: 1 Player of the Month awards: 1
