- Manchester United linked with Cole Palmer
- Chelsea attacker stuttered for England vs Japan
- Red Devils need to firmly rule him out
Cole Palmer continues to be linked with Manchester United, but ever since speculation arose, the Chelsea attacker has stuttered. Talk of the England international being ‘homesick’ and wanting to return to Manchester ensued in January.
The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the Premier League’s most exciting players, capable of changing a game in the blink of an eye. He has dazzled for most of his spell at Stamford Bridge, including a stunning tally of 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 league games during his debut campaign.
This season has been his worst in Blues colours, amid an injury-plagued campaign which saw him spend the early stages on the sidelines. But since he returned, he never looked like the same player who earned a place in FIFA’s Best Men’s XI.
Poor Palmer
Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in September 2023 for £42.5m. That proved to be somewhat of a bargain given his remarkable form during his first two seasons in west London.
The English attacker hasn’t quite been at his best this term, and his body language has seemed off. But so too have his performances, including tonight in England’s encounter with Japan.
Palmer started in his preferred number 10 position, playing behind Phil Foden, who operated as a false nine. A somewhat strange selection from Thomas Tuchel, but the Chelsea man could have no complaints.
The Manchester-born attacker’s first-half showing was a real hard watch. He lost the ball 10 times, and one of them led to Kaoru Mitoma’s opener.
There are now real doubts over him starting for the Three Lions at the World Cup this summer. But so too should there be over United’s supposed interest.
A Price Not Worth Paying
Palmer is reportedly viewed as “untouchable” by Chelsea, but his ongoing season doesn’t quite explain that stance. If a club were to cough up over £125 million, you’d be foolish not to consider it.
The Red Devils shouldn’t be tempted to pay such a fee for a player who has been out of sorts for quite some time. One day, Bruno Fernandes will leave Old Trafford, and the club will need to find a replacement worthy of at least trying to fill his boots.
That man isn’t Palmer, whose inconsistency this season speaks volumes. This world-class talent isn’t shining bright, and it’s a worry with just two months until Thomas Tuchel’s men head to the World Cup.
