Cole Palmer ‘Open to huge Man United transfer’ as Chelsea issue comes to light

Cole Palmer ‘Open to huge Man United transfer’ as Chelsea issue comes to light

Chelsea’s striker Cole Palmer continues to be linked with a surprise transfer to Manchester United amid claims that he is homesick after two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge in London

Palmer, 23, moved to London from Manchester City in a £42.5million transfer two-and-a-half years ago. He has grown into one of the Blues’ most influential attacking players – but the England star is now being linked with a surprise switch back to the North West.

According to The Sun, Palmer would ‘welcome’ interest from Manchester United, the club he grew up supporting, should they show any desire to bring him to Old Trafford. He would not, though, consider making a return to City, where he came through the academy ranks, while Pep Guardiola remains in charge.

Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, saw Palmer firsthand during his journey through the City academy due to his previous role with the club and is known to be a huge admirer of a player who scored 15 goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League last term.

The report adds that Palmer, who signed an improved contract which runs until 2033 just last season, misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.

Injuries have dogged Palmer in the 2025-26 campaign, restricting him to just 13 appearances for Chelsea. He did not feature in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace due to a thigh issue, something Liam Rosenior confirmed pre-match.

Rosenior has already addressed transfer speculation amid claims that Palmer is homesick in the capital.

“I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here,” the new Blues head coach said last week.