Cole Palmer Talks Chelsea Move and Dissatisfaction with Euro 2024 Spots

Palmer’s Early Reluctance To Join Chelsea

Chelsea’s breakout star Cole Palmer recently admitted in an interview with GQ that he was not initially interested in joining the club, and had to be "persuaded" into moving away from Manchester City. The 22-year-old, who moved to Stamford Bridge for £42.5 million in 2023, said he was sceptical about the move but was eventually convinced (partly through his agent).

‘I wasn’t even going [to] Chelsea,’ Palmer said. I was convinced." He even said how, while training at City, he kept asking the kit man and doctor whether the clubs had agreed the fee. The last thing Palmer would want to do is resign himself, given the tremendous impact he has made at Chelsea since his arrival.

Exciting First Season for Palmer at Chelsea

Following an unexpected deadline-day transfer, Palmer arrived at Chelsea quickly and made his way from the bench to a starting spot for good. His debut season was nothing short of sensational, notching 22 goals and 11 assists in his first season at Chelsea, he became the key man. The stunning run had him crowned the Premier League Young Player of the Year, and his ability even attracted the attention of Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, who suggested he was a potential future Ballon d’Or candidate. Former Chelsea man Pat Nevin complemented Palmer as one of the best players on Earth at the moment.

Palmer hasn’t been slowing down yet this season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in 11 games. Manager Enzo Maresca now places Palmer at the heart of Chelsea’s game, which puts him at the heart of everything. At Brighton, he scored four goals in one half.

Unhappy with The Short Game Time At Euro 2024

Palmer’s club form was exemplary, but on the international stage, with England, it was different. Despite his impressive run last season, he was forced to sit out England’s Euro 2024 campaign. Palmer did not play in any of Gareth Southgate’s games, despite him receiving only short minutes on the bench. Palmer himself admitted to being frustrated and baffled by the choice when England were hammering it out in the group stage.

‘It was frustrating for England, frankly,’ Palmer said. "Coming off the season I was having...all that stuff was rubbing off on me and I was like, "Why am I not playing?""

But Palmer finally got his chance in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, when he emerged from the bench to score the equaliser – a goal that he’d confidently imagined the night before while warming up in front of the hotel mirror.

Chelsea supporters will certainly be happy Palmer ended up in west London, and he’s been showing from the outset that he’s still very much young.