Cole Palmer was deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Manchester City’s academy has long been a hotbed for talent, producing stars who dominate on and off the pitch.
Cole Palmer, a shining graduate, seemed destined for greatness under Pep Guardiola. Yet, in a move that raised eyebrows, he traded City’s light blue for Chelsea’s royal blue.
Guardiola explained it as a pursuit of more game time, but was that the full story?
Enter Alan Shearer, who sees things differently. To him, Palmer’s rise at Chelsea isn’t just luck — it’s proof Guardiola misjudged.
Cole Palmer’s departure from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2023 was a transfer that initially seemed like a practical move for both parties.
A £40 million fee for a promising yet unproven talent was widely seen as fair business. Fast forward, and Palmer’s remarkable form has raised a burning question: did City let a gem slip?
Pep Guardiola maintains he always believed in Palmer’s potential, stating, “The way he’s playing is a star player.”
Yet, Alan Shearer isn’t buying it. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer questioned City’s foresight, suggesting they didn’t anticipate Palmer’s meteoric rise.
“No way did they think he’d do the things he’s doing now,” Shearer asserted.
Former City defender Micah Richards added another perspective, emphasizing Financial Fair Play considerations, noting the £40 million fee made sense at the time.
But the fact still remains that Cole Palmer was deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City. In fact, the club even considered letting him go before he signed a full-time contract.
Palmer saved us in back-to-back finals and Pep told him to fuck off right after, lol pic.twitter.com/WdHKNWG3I6
— Shady (@FodenPrime) October 1, 2024
However, Palmer went on to prove himself, becoming a valuable player for the team before eventually making a move to Chelsea in 2023.
But with Palmer now thriving at Chelsea, scoring crucial goals and reportedly catching Real Madrid’s eye, the sale appears less like savvy business and more like a missed opportunity.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s recent praise underscores Palmer’s growth: “He’s learning, improving, scoring goals, and making us all happy.”
It’s a transformation that has closed the gap between Chelsea and league leaders Liverpool, with Palmer at the heart of it.
Guardiola and Manchester City’s decision to sell Cole Palmer highlights the unpredictable nature of football transfers.
What initially seemed like a smart financial move now risks being seen as a significant oversight, as Palmer’s rapid rise at Chelsea underscores the challenge of distinguishing between a savvy sale and a decision that might come back to haunt the club.