Forget Szoboszlai - Chelsea star Palmer is the best signing so far

Jacque Talbot

• 25 Jan 2024 05:00 CST
• 2 min read

Cole Palmer is the best piece of business that was done over the summer. It seems odd to say that Chelsea, known for their gung ho approach to the market, have gone and secured the shrewdest deal, but it’s more than ever clear now.

Palmer joined the Blues from Manchester City for €47million over the summer. It was a surprise move, one of the best young talents from the reigning Premier League champions moving to a rival, but it’s paid off tenfold.

In 18 Premier League games, Palmer has scored nine goals and provided four assists. Only Ollie Watkins boasts more goal contributions among English players in the Premier League this season than Palmer.

Cole Palmer is the best buy of the summer

For his efforts this season, Palmer’s valuation has seen a wild increase, too. FootballTransfers’ Estimated Transfer Value algorithm ranks the youngster at €32.6m - while when they bought him he was worth just €4.6m.

Palmer had to wait until this season to make his mark in English football's premier competition, but it’s come

Despite his youth, Palmer is infusing much-needed maturity into Chelsea's squad. His successful conversion of three penalties leading up to the match against Manchester City highlighted his readiness to shoulder responsibility, a crucial trait in a squad aiming for stability both on and off the pitch. Embracing his significant role, Palmer is resolute in making a lasting impact on the international stage.

Chelsea, currently in 10th place in the league, is undergoing positive transformations under Mauricio Pochettino. Known for their ball-dominant style, they rank second in possession per 90 minutes after Manchester City. Palmer's adept execution of through balls and passes into the penalty area, placing him fourth and sixth, respectively, according to FBref, facilitates Chelsea's rapid transition into goal-scoring opportunities.

Palmer's crucial contributions, such as scoring against Tottenham and securing a last-second penalty against Manchester City, underscore his impact on both ends of the pitch.

There are, of course, other quality players who have come into fresh clubs and made waves. Guglielmo Vicario has been an inspired signing for Tottenham, as has Dominik Szoboszlai who arrived to Liverpool. But what we are seeing with Palmer is pure greatness, even in the midst of an unsettled club like Chelsea.