Manchester United have reportedly ended their interest in Chelsea’s Cole Palmer this summer, despite the player being a lifelong Red Devils supporter, according to a report in the Daily Express. Chelsea have reportedly valued Palmer at £90 million (€104m / $122m) should they consider a sale.
United had been strongly linked with a move for the England international, who has been a standout performer for Chelsea since his £40 million transfer from Manchester City in 2023. Palmer won the Premier League Young Player of the Year award in his debut season, recording 42 goal involvements, and followed that up with a further 18 goals last term as Chelsea secured Champions League qualification and won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup.
However, the report indicates that Old Trafford officials now view Palmer as a non-primary objective, prioritizing the recruitment of at least two central midfielders and defensive reinforcements instead. While United acknowledge Palmer’s talent and his affinity for the club, their immediate squad needs lie elsewhere. Palmer’s recent form has also reportedly dipped, raising concerns over whether he could secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming tournament in North America.
Palmer currently has a contract with Chelsea until 2033, but former Blues midfielder Andy Townsend believes a departure may be beneficial for the player. Townsend told BetVictor that Palmer needs to “rediscover his game” and feels he may be questioning the ambition and consistency within the Chelsea squad. He suggested that continued turnover of players at Stamford Bridge could ultimately push Palmer to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Chelsea are preparing for a Premier League match against Liverpool on Saturday, where Palmer will be looking to regain his form as the Blues push for a Europa League qualification spot. A move for Palmer could still materialize if United change their priorities, but as it stands, the player’s future appears uncertain.
