Since Cole Palmer left Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023, both parties seem to have flourished by going separate ways.
Jamie Carragher even praised Palmer as “the Premier League’s best player” since his transfer to Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Manchester City hasn’t skipped a beat, capturing their fourth consecutive league title last season despite letting go of one of the most promising young talents in world football.
Cole Palmer also earned a spot in the official Ballon d’Or rankings at 25th, underscoring his major contributions to Chelsea and England during the 2023/2024 season.
Pundit Ally McCoist applauded Palmer’s brave decision to leave Manchester City, a move that has paid off as he’s now widely recognized as a standout European talent.
Jamie Carragher further remarked that Pep Guardiola’s mistake was in allowing such a gem of a player like Palmer to leave.
Michael Brown disclosed that Palmer felt “frustrated” at Manchester City after the club initially planned to send him on loan during the previous season.
After his emotional departure, Palmer’s transition to Chelsea has been almost storybook-like. At just 22 years old, the former Manchester City academy star has flourished. Following his impressive debut season where Chelsea placed sixth, the team—now under Enzo Maresca’s leadership—sits third, only four points behind City this campaign.
In an interview with British GQ, Palmer shared his simple farewell message to Manchester City after his transfer to Chelsea was finalized. Reflecting on his last day, he said: “I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee.’ Every time the ball went out, I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.”
As the deal took time to close, Palmer didn’t get to properly say goodbye to his City teammates. He recounted, “So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff. I messaged the group chat, said, ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”
In November of the previous year, Pep Guardiola mentioned that Palmer was determined to leave, despite assurances that he’d see more minutes following Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli. Guardiola later praised Palmer’s “immense quality” and reiterated that the club had “no doubts” about his bright future.
Rodri anticipated that Palmer would evolve into a “top player” over the coming years, reflecting on his potential after England’s close 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final.
‘Sad’ John Stones shared his own reaction to Palmer’s exit, expressing admiration for the young talent’s fearless playing style. “I was a huge fan of Cole [Palmer] as soon as he came into our first-team setup, what he brought to the game, how he played as if he was in the park. I was sad to see him leave, [I] made him aware of that but what he’s gone on and done is a credit to him, how he’s conducted himself how he’s stepped up in big moments is honestly credit to Cole and what he’s doing.”
Palmer’s strong connections at Manchester City remain evident. He revealed that Pep Guardiola shaped his game in significant ways, teaching him details like which foot to use when controlling and passing the ball.
