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Nieuws
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Three possible replacements for Cole Palmer at Chelsea
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 22 Jan 2026 15:48 GMT
- 5 min read
Analysis
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s best player since his arrival from Manchester City, but his form over the past 12 months has suffered a notable dip.
The England international is no longer the main man at Stamford Bridge and he has evidently not yet fully recovered from a groin issue that has plagued his 2025-26 campaign so far.
His participation at the 2026 World Cup is in real doubt as a result, while rumours suggest he may push to leave Chelsea this summer as he is unsettled in London.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through three players Chelsea could sign to replace Palmer if the England superstar pushes to leave the club this year.
Current ETV
Morgan Rogers
AM (C), M (CR)
A. Villa
Morgan Rogers
AM (C), M (CR)
A. Villa
ETV Range
€53.6M - €65.5M
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
The dream replacement for Palmer at Chelsea would undoubtedly be his close friend Morgan Rogers, who was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last summer.
The England star is in contention to start ahead of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden at the 2026 World Cup, and he has continued his fine form at Aston Villa this season, notching eight goals and six assists in all competitions as Unai Emery’s side mount a surprise Premier League title challenge.
Chelsea are known admirers of the 23-year-old and they have been tipped to pursue a deal for his signature later this year regardless of whether Palmer departs or not.
However, he recently signed a contract extension at Aston Villa, meaning his new deal with the club isn’t due to expire until 2031. As a result, he will almost certainly cost over €100 million.
Nico Paz (Como)
Real Madrid are virtually guaranteed to re-sign Como starlet Nico Paz by triggering their buy-back clause this summer. However, Chelsea could still pursue a deal.
The Argentina international has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in world football since joining Como in 2024, and he has racked up 29 goal contributions in just 57 first-team games for the Serie A side.
Just like Palmer, Paz is left-footed and he possesses a similarly high level of technical proficiency in small spaces as well as immense vision and creativity in the final third.
The 21-year-old would therefore be an excellent replacement for Palmer if the England superstar departs Chelsea, although the Blues may need to negotiate a deal with Real Madrid as Los Blancos are expected to re-sign Paz this summer.
Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)
The final option is Fermin Lopez, who was a top target for Chelsea last summer. The Blues launched a number of enquiries in late August, however Barcelona were unwilling to sanction a sale, while the Spaniard wasn’t keen on a Camp Nou exit.
Fermin has gone from strength to strength this season and he is now an integral member of Hansi Flick’s side, meaning a transfer is even less likely to take place in 2026.
The Spain midfielder has scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists in just 24 games this term, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) now stands at a career-high of €63.5m as a result of his immense form for the Blaugrana.
Fermin remains happy at Barcelona and he is unlikely to push for a transfer, however he would still be an excellent addition for Chelsea.
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