Liam Rosenior Plays Down Cole Palmer Exit Talk as Chelsea Star Deemed ‘Untouchable’

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has firmly dismissed suggestions that Cole Palmer could be set for a move away from Stamford Bridge, branding reports linking the forward with Manchester United as “unrealistic”.

Palmer, a Manchester native, joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023 and quickly established himself as a central figure in the Blues’ attack during his first two seasons in west London. Recent speculation has claimed the England international may be tempted by a return to the north of England, with the club he supported growing up.

However, Rosenior was unequivocal when asked ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League trip to Napoli on Wednesday whether Palmer remained “untouchable” and content at the club.

“Yes and yes. It’s simple,” Rosenior said.

“I’m not surprised by the timing. A new manager comes in and suddenly people try to unsettle things. It’s not true. Cole is here, he’s very happy and I’m looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch.

“There’s no reason for any reassurance. It’s completely unrealistic. It’s come from nowhere and there’s nothing in it. There’s no reason to even have the conversation.”

Palmer’s influence this season has been restricted by recurring injury issues. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in 13 appearances across all competitions but is yet to register an assist. He has now returned to the Chelsea squad after missing the club’s last two matches with an ongoing groin problem.

Chelsea currently sit eighth in the Champions League league-phase standings and are likely to require a victory in Naples to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 via a top-eight finish.

The Blues will face familiar opposition in Napoli manager Antonio Conte, the last coach to guide Chelsea to a Premier League title during the 2016/17 season. However, the Serie A champions are enduring a difficult European campaign, having won just two of their opening seven matches and now battling to avoid elimination by finishing inside the top 24.

“The results haven’t reflected the performances Antonio’s team have produced,” Rosenior added, having won four of his first five matches since replacing Enzo Maresca.

“We know it’s going to be a very difficult match in a special atmosphere.”