Cole Palmer Transfer Talk Grows Amid Claims Chelsea Star Is ‘Homesick’

Speculation over Cole Palmer’s long-term future at Chelsea is beginning to intensify amid reports suggesting the England international is feeling homesick in London and misses life in Manchester.

Palmer completed a move from Manchester City to Chelsea in September 2023 in a deal worth up to £42.5 million, and has since developed into one of the Premier League’s standout performers. The 23-year-old has firmly established himself as a key figure at Stamford Bridge, delivering consistently impressive performances in his first two seasons with the club.

The Wythenshawe-born forward has earned 12 England caps and scored in the Euro 2024 final, while his club form has been equally eye-catching. Palmer has recorded 48 goals and 29 assists in 110 appearances for Chelsea, earning several major individual accolades, including Chelsea Players’ Player of the Season, Premier League Young Player of the Season, and a place in the 2025 FIFPRO World 11.

Despite his success, reports have suggested Palmer is unsettled in the capital, fuelling talk of a possible return to the north-west. Manchester United are considered one of the few clubs capable of financing a potential blockbuster move, should Chelsea ever be willing to entertain offers.

Adding to the intrigue, Palmer has previously been spotted wearing a Manchester United shirt after an image surfaced of him as a child in the club’s 2010–11 home kit. When asked about the photograph during an interview with TNT Sports in April 2024 — following his hat-trick against United in Chelsea’s dramatic 4–3 victory — Palmer admitted his childhood allegiances.

“Yeah, when I was growing up I was a United fan,” he said.

Those comments inevitably raised hopes among United supporters that a high-profile move could one day materialise, despite Palmer’s background in City’s academy.

Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has also weighed in on Palmer’s future, suggesting the midfielder may eventually seek a club willing to build a team around him. Speaking to Card Player, Desailly urged respect between player and club.

“If Cole Palmer decides to move away from Chelsea, then that’s his business, but he must respect the club because they are the ones who gave him the tools to become the player he is today,” Desailly said.

“I would love him to stay at Stamford Bridge because he has a key role in the team, even if Enzo Maresca has used him in different positions. I believe Palmer wants more stability and a system built specifically for him.”

Desailly also stressed the importance of Palmer fully recovering from his current injury issues before any major decisions are made.

“He still needs to fully recover from his groin injury and return to full fitness. His recent performances speak for themselves, but he needs to stay humble and help the team, whether he stays or goes.

“The big question is whether he feels Chelsea can win the Premier League in the next two seasons. If he doesn’t believe that, he may eventually push for a move to a club that will build a system around him.”

Palmer’s campaign has been disrupted by injury, but he has still managed to score five goals in 13 appearances, most recently converting a penalty in Chelsea’s victory over Brentford.

Chelsea currently sit sixth in the Premier League after 22 matches, one point behind Manchester United in fifth and two points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool, as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.