Manchester City are usually spot on with their transfer decisions and they very rarely let a superstar slip through their fingers.
Pep Guardiola‘s ability to identify and develop talented players is among the best in world football – his Manchester City team is evidence of his brilliance.
Almost every signing that arrives on the doorstep of the Etihad Stadium is transformed into a world-class player by Guardiola and City are equally as good at selling players at the right time.
The departure of Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez and Joao Cancelo look like significant blows on paper, but Guardiola and City are the experts of refreshing their squad and keeping them motivated for yet another title push.
However, the sale of Cole Palmer to Chelsea will surely sting for City’s transfer chiefs in hindsight.
The £40million fee paid by the Blues raised eyebrows at the time but the 22-year-old has quickly made that figure look like an incredible bargain after scoring 27 goals in all competitions last season.
Joleon Lescott on Cole Palmer’s future
Palmer’s move to Stamford Bridge has turned out to be an excellent decision by the young midfielder.
He forced his way out of Manchester amid concerns over game time and he has shown Guardiola exactly what he is missing with superb performances for club and country.
Former City defender Joleon Lescott was full of praise for Palmer and believes he can become one of the best in the world.
“I love him [Palmer]. He is someone who just loves football,” Lescott told the High Performance podcast.
“He can be anything. If he stays where he is at now for the next 10 years then he is going to be one of the greatest players. He doesn’t have to do anymore, just maintain the level.
“It’s the same as Phil Foden. Don’t think next season that Cole Palmer has to get 25 goals to progress. He might have reached his peak early, now he has to stay there.”
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Palmer could top off his excellent season by becoming a European champion with England on Sunday evening.
If his confidence levels were not already on cloud nine, then his performance at Euro 2024 will ensure he returns to London ready to hit the ground running next season.
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