‘I wasn’t even going to go’ – Cole Palmer reveals shocking story behind Chelsea move

Cole Palmer has disclosed the transfer drama that nearly resulted in him turning down a Chelsea Blues midfielder who is now an essential member of Enzo Maresca’s team.
Palmer discusses his beginnings with Manchester City.

After nearly turning down a move to west London, Chelsea star Cole Palmer has disclosed that he nearly lost out on being Stamford Bridge’s most sought-after player.

In the summer of 2023, the former Manchester City midfielder departed his boyhood team to sign for Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues. Palmer’s first season at Chelsea was a huge success, and he emerged as one of the team’s best players as well as one of the most intriguing players in the Premier League.

He has already scored seven goals in 13 games this season, including four in Chelsea’s first half triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion in September. Palmer’s 27 goals from the previous game are still an amazing accomplishment, but he has since acknowledged that he “wasn’t going to” accept a transfer to the capital.

When he told GQ, “I wasn’t even gonna go [to] Chelsea,” “I got persuaded.”

Knowing that he would have a hard time getting playing time in Pep Guardiola’s squad, he did, however, wish to leave the club where he grew up.

“I simply realised that I wouldn’t be playing as much as I had hoped. You had players there that were playing in the league every week, even while I was travelling to England [camps] with younger age groups. You’re thinking, “I can play in the league,” as you glance around. It’s annoying when you’re not playing.

“I only desired to take out a loan. I recall hearing the news that “they’re trying to agree a fee” during my Wednesday afternoon training at City. Whenever the ball went out, I would check with the doctor or the kit man to see if the cost had been agreed upon.

I therefore didn’t really get the opportunity to say “I’m going” to a lot of people. I only needed to get my belongings. I sent a message to the group chat saying, “Thank you very much.” I’m leaving. That was it.

His warm welcome at Chelsea quickly made the harsh reality of leaving his boyhood club more bearable, and he quickly established himself as an essential team player.

Palmer has played in all of his team’s Premier League games this season and is anticipated to continue to play a significant role in Enzo Maresca’s plans for some time to come.