This week has been an unsettling one for Chelsea fans, with thoughts momentarily drifting back each time as the Cole Palmer to Manchester United rumours gained traction.
The club’s star man was linked with a potential move to Old Trafford, fuelled by claims of homesickness and a desire to return to his boyhood club — with a switch back to Manchester City seemingly ruled out as long as Pep Guardiola remains in charge.
Chelsea transfer news this week has been dominated by growing speculation surrounding Cole Palmer’s future at Chelsea, with widespread reports linking the attacker to a potential move away from the club.
While many supporters took the reports with a pinch of salt, mindful that the England international is tied down to a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, it did little to ease the lingering fear of losing a player who has been Chelsea’s standout performer over the last two seasons.
The England international’s persistent groin problem has ruled him out for much of the Blues’ campaign, restricting him to just 12 Premier League appearances, in which he has scored four goals.
In his last appearance against Brentford, where he converted a 76th-minute penalty, Palmer notably refrained from his trademark ice-cold celebration, and after the final whistle, he cut a dejected figure, with his body language suggesting frustration rather than relief, reflecting a player still searching for rhythm after a disrupted run of games.
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Cole Palmer To Manchester United: Have The Transfer Rumours Have Been Firmly Dismissed?
Reports emerging today from Sky Sports have poured cold water on speculation linking Cole Palmer to Manchester United.
Reporter Kaveh Solhekol reaffirmed that Chelsea’s number 10 remains an untouchable figure within the squad and suggested that, if there were ever to be a scenario in which he left the club, it would require a fee surpassing Neymar’s world-record transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain.
Palmer, who finished eighth on the Ballon d’Or rankings, is viewed as a crucial part of the team’s long-term plans. Head coach Liam Rosenior has also spoken out regarding Palmer’s future at Chelsea.
He said: “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole [Palmer] and he seems, and is, very, very happy to be here.
“He is a huge part of our long‑term plans; he’s an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their career with injuries, but that is no indication of his quality.”
“There was frustration in the Brentford game – not because he isn’t happy here, but because he couldn’t perform at the level he wants to for the club,” added Rosenior.
“My job, and the club’s job, is to get him performing consistently at the level he wants to.”
Rosenior’s comments may have offered reassurance, but in reality, it would take something truly extraordinary for any club to lure Palmer away from Stamford Bridge.
When the former Manchester City player first signed for Chelsea in 2023, he committed to a seven-year deal, before further underlining his long-term future a year later by agreeing to a two-year contract extension.
As things stand, Palmer is tied to the club until 2033, leaving Chelsea firmly in control of any conversation surrounding his future.
How Fast Rumours Travel: A Transfer Dreamt Up by Rival Fans
Reports of Cole Palmer’s future at Chelsea being in doubt are one born out of rivals’ fantasies.
The only problem the player has right now is how to get back to full fitness; anything apart from that is just noise.
While there may be some truth to Palmer having grown up a Manchester United supporter — having previously revealed that he visited Old Trafford regularly as a child due to his family’s allegiance to the club, and that his idol growing up was Wayne Rooney — such sentiments do not automatically translate into a future move.
He has even cited Patrice Evra’s goal against Bayern Munich as the best he has witnessed in the Champions League.
All of this may be true, but having a dream club does not necessitate playing for that club.
The Premier League is littered with examples of players who supported teams in their youth yet never represented them at senior level.
Luke Shaw, for instance, has reportedly admitted to being a Chelsea fan, yet currently wears the red of Manchester United.
Despite the Palmer to Manchester United rumours, the player is committed to the project at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.
Main Photo
Credit: Harvey Murphy/News Images
Recording Date: 17.01.2026
