- Former Manchester United winger urges club to act
- Chelsea’s star has not performed to the same level this season
- The player has had rumours of feeling ‘homesick’
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has urged his former club to sign Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who he describes as a “Manchester lad.”
Palmer is currently enduring a poor season at Chelsea, with the attacker now on an eight-game barren streak. His last goal came in a 4-1 victory over Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on 4 March.
In the 46 days since that fixture, Chelsea have managed just two wins, both in the FA Cup against mediocre opponents Wrexham and Port Vale.
In the recent fixture between the two sides, Palmer once again came up empty-handed as he failed to turn over his boyhood club. The England international delivered a subdued display, unable to directly influence the match in any meaningful way.
Whispers now suggest Palmer harbours thoughts of a move back north, where he could don the red of Manchester.
Giggs urges United to act
On Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, the Englishman asked his former teammate Giggs whether Palmer would fit in at United.
“Yeah he would, Manchester lad,” Giggs responded immediately, leaving no room for hesitation. Where would he play, with Obviously Bruno 10, play off the right, possibly.
He added:
“Yeah we talk about Hojlund and Sesko, its only really Bruno who’s creating things, time and time again, What if Bruno’s had a bad day or is injured? You need three or four players in your squad who can make things happen.”
There is no doubt that many, including Ferdinand and Giggs, would like the Manchester-born Palmer back in his home city. But Palmer himself recently insisted that he’s happy at Chelsea and isn’t pondering a potential return to ‘home.’
Anyone attempting to prise him away this summer would appear to be wasting their time. But the former Manchester City man did say that if the Blues fail to qualify for the Champions League ‘everything changes’ ahead of his side’s 1-0 loss to United on Saturday.
Could Palmer be a Future Option?
Regardless of whether Palmer would be free to move this summer or not, signing him would prove near impossible. In August 2024, the Englishman extended his contract at the Blues to 2033, a staggering seven more years from now.
Factor in his ability and rising stardom, and United would need to pay in excess of £100 million—more likely closer to £150 million—which they cannot justify this summer.
Whilst the Red Devils will most likely spend heavily, that investment will target more of an engine midfielder to replace Casemiro, not a creative outlet.
However, in the coming years, Palmer could emerge as an option for United’s hierarchy to consider.
With Fernandes having just one year left on his contract—with an option to extend by a further season—the Red Devils will need a new attacking creative presence in the squad.
That is when Palmer could make the journey from the capital back to the north.
