Cole Palmer’s move to Stamford Bridge is one of few Chelsea transfers that have been a success in recent years.
After rising through the ranks of Manchester City’s academy and working under Pep Guardiola, Cole Palmer made the brave decision to pursue first-team football away from the English champions.
Tipped to follow in the footsteps of Phil Foden at the Etihad Stadium, Palmer pushed to leave and follow his own path – and he justified that decision very quickly last season.
Chelsea spent £40million on Palmer’s signature last summer, a fee that now looks like a bargain for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Palmer recently signed a new and improved contract with Chelsea to fend off interest from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
He ended the Premier League season with 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances and was unsurprisingly awarded Chelsea’s Player of the Year award.
Palmer then carried his momentum to the England squad and Euro 2024, where he scored in the final against Spain after coming off the bench.
Cole Palmer on a move overseas
It takes a lot of self-confidence and belief to push your way out of Manchester City and pursue more regular first-team football.
When it became clear that Palmer wanted to leave Manchester, there was no shortage of offers on the table.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Palmer revealed that he considered a move overseas, and particularly to Germany.
“There were talks of abroad clubs coming in for me when I was at the Euros,” Palmer said.
When asked if he considered a move overseas, Palmer continued “At the start, no, but then when I was at the Under-21 Euros I rang my agent.
“I was away in Georgia and you’re literally just focusing on football.
“I had a good Under-21s Euros so I said to him maybe I would go to Germany or something like that.
“Just so it’s clear focus on just football. But then Chelsea called and now I’m here.”
Cole Palmer at Chelsea this season
Under new management and with a much-changed squad, Chelsea will need Palmer to step up again this season.
Enzo Maresca couldn’t have been handed a tougher first fixture with a clash against Palmer’s former side Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
In what is an incredibly bloated squad at Stamford Bridge, there are not many guaranteed starters. But even after arriving late from his Euro 2024 ventures this summer, Palmer can be confident that his spot is safe.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
