Chelsea star Cole Palmer has grown unsettled with life in London two and a half years after joining from Manchester City. The Manchester native is open to any interest from Manchester United, the club he supported as a child.
Palmer will not consider returning to Manchester City while Pep Guardiola remains in charge. City sold Palmer to Chelsea for £42.5 million in September 2023, and he signed a contract extension with the Blues until 2033 last season.
However, Palmer misses his hometown of Wythenshawe and often returns to visit family and friends. Plagued by a groin injury, the 23-year-old has only made 11 starts this season and was absent from Chelsea’s matchday squad in their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Manchester United’s Director of Football Jason Wilcox was the academy director at City when Palmer emerged through their youth ranks. Wilcox previously expressed belief that some City academy graduates could win the Ballon d’Or. United chased former City striker Liam Delap last summer, but he opted for Chelsea. Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada—formerly City’s Chief Operating Officer—will lead United’s recruitment drive again this summer.
Palmer is a left-footed playmaker, and United already have several No.10 options, including left-footers Amad Diallo and Jeremy Doku (both joined last summer, alongside Matheus Cunha). However, captain Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future is uncertain, as he has hinted at a possible exit after the World Cup. His contract with United expires next year, with the club holding a one-year extension option, but he can also move to an overseas club for £57 million in the summer under the agreement.
While United’s recruitment plans are already underway, the club is in the process of confirming their next permanent manager. Interim boss Michael Carrick—who oversaw back-to-back wins over City and Arsenal—has a contract until the end of the season and confirmed last week he will provide input on midfield targets.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a co-owner of United two years ago, the club has hired several former senior City staff. Beyond Wilcox and Berrada, United’s Director of Performance Sam Ellis, communications officials Toby Craig and Cat Smith all previously worked at City.
