Chelsea face Cole Palmer issue as Man Utd rumour emerges

Robin Bairner

22 Jan 2026 06:30 CST
3 min read

Chelsea reportedly face a major battle to retain Cole Palmer this summer – with the England star targeting a dream move to Manchester United.

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Concerns over the long-term viability of the Chelsea project have been raised in recent weeks, with the Blues’ poor form then Enzo Maresca’s departure causing real concerns among some fans that the owners are more focused on profit than success.

In turn, this has led to rumours that Enzo Fernandez could leave the club for Real Madrid or PSG, and now it has been suggested that Palmer may also seek a transfer in the summer.

Palmer unsettled at Chelsea

Palmer does not enjoy life in London, according to a report from The Sun, which adds that he misses his friends from Manchester.

A boyhood Manchester United fan, it is claimed that he could return north, perhaps to Old Trafford or even to Manchester City, where Maresca has been linked with replacing Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.

With an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €99.7 million, the Blues could land a massive fee for the 23-year-old, who arrived for €47m in 2023, though there would naturally be an enormous backlash given the popularity and importance of Palmer to the Chelsea squad.

Palmer to Man Utd: What needs to happen for a deal to be done?

A move to Man Utd, of course, is a long shot and likely hinges on them achieving Champions League football next season and potentially Chelsea not. Based on the clubs’ respective Premier League positions currently, it is on the cards.

Justifying such a move financially, though, will be trickier, particularly with owners Ineos unwilling to invest heavily in the team.

One possible scenario that could open up the deal is Bruno Fernandes leaving for the Saudi Pro League in a big-money deal. It’s a move that’s often been rumoured in recent years but has never come to fruition.

The sacking of Ruben Amorim has renewed suggestions that he could leave, and this could be the catalyst Man Utd need to move for Palmer.

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