Pep Guardiola’s decision to sell Cole Palmer for £40m last summer seems not to have derailed Manchester City’s quest for another treble, but has certainly invigorated the player, which is good news for Chelsea and perhaps England.
Palmer has been a bright spot in another difficult season for Chelsea. Now playing regularly under Mauricio Pochettino, Palmer has excelled and become one of most highly rated young players in the country. The 21-year-old has scored 11 goals and had 8 assists in the Premier League and it appears the move from Manchester City is paying dividends.
Eyebrows were raised when Palmer swapped Manchester for London, but it was revealed last month by Guardiola the attacking midfielder was seeking more game time, something that City were unable to provide. Palmer had too much competition at City, but went straight into the first team at Chelsea, where he has flourished.
In addition, he has earned two England appearances, with his eyes firmly set on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. There is competition in his position, but Palmer backs himself to make the cut.
Southgate was at Stamford Bridge when Palmer scored and assisted in Chelsea’s recent win over Newcastle, the fifth different league game this campaign in which he has achieved that feat
Asked about putting on an England shirt Palmer said: “I would love to wear it. If you told me at the start of the season that I would be fighting for a Euros spot, I would not believe you.
“I try to take each game at a time and see what happens. There are loads of players (in that position) but that is the plan, hopefully.”
England play both Brazil and Belgium in matches that represent a last chance for some players to make an impression before Southgate has to select his squad by 8 June, ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany. Palmer will have to make the most of the minutes he may get, but there is a strong case already for his inclusion.
“He is doing well,” said Pochettino. “He arrived on the last day of the transfer window, but it was so easy for him to adapt to the team, and the demands of the coaching staff. He is showing his quality and it is good to have him in the squad because he is doing things that link the play. He is getting more mature, there are still things to improve but I think he is doing a very good job.”
Whilst he may not be the first name of the team sheet, a player of that quality to bring off the bench will add another exciting option to this already promising England roster.
Palmer is young, hungry and on the right track at Chelsea, managed by a coach who believes in his quality and potential. Only time will tell, but perhaps he could be one that got away for Guardiola.
