Reports have emerged linking Cole Palmer with a move to Manchester United, with the England star reportedly feeling homesick in west London.
Manchester United could offer the ideal transfer present to Cole Palmer, with his favoured shirt number, should he pull off a sensational switch to the club – as has been mooted in bombshell reports.
The England attacking midfielder, 23, has emerged as one of the Premier League‘s most impressive performers over the past two campaigns, following his transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in summer 2023. During his spell at Stamford Bridge, he has netted 48 goals and contributed a further 29 assists across 110 outings.
This campaign has, nevertheless, been impacted by a persistent groin problem. Throughout the past week, stories have surfaced connecting Palmer with a remarkable switch to United. It’s claimed that the England international is restless in London and is experiencing homesickness.
READ MORE: Man Utd hero Jaap Stam hits out at Virgil van Dijk – ‘He needs to improve’READ MORE: Matheus Cunha reveals Michael Carrick’s fiery four-word message to Man Utd players
The 23-year-old was raised as a boyhood United supporter, but progressed through the academy at rivals City. He established himself in the senior squad under Pep Guardiola during the 2021/22 campaign, before then securing his switch to Chelsea just over a year afterwards.
The Blues are unlikely to surrender their prized asset without strong resistance with reports indicating Palmer is regarded as one of the ‘untouchables’ whom the club have no intention of offloading. That position could in turn shift, if Palmer genuinely demands a transfer away – back to Manchester or elsewhere.
Should United pursue a deal, then the perfect welcoming gesture could arrive in the squad number he receives. Currently, the club’s No.20 jersey is vacant for any fresh arrivals.
That was the number that Palmer wore in his first two seasons at Chelsea. He now wears the No.10 jersey there, however, after switching things around before the current season.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
That number at United is currently taken up by summer signing Matheus Cunha, who is unlikely to relinquish the shirt without a fight. But the No.20 has been free since the end of last season, when Diogo Dalot vacated it.
Discussing the speculation around Palmer last week, Chelsea’s manager Liam Rosenior appeared to dismiss the homesickness claims. “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here,” he said.
“He’s a huge part in our long-term plans here. My job and the club’s job is to get him into a situation where he can consistently perform to the level he wants to.
“There was frustration in the Brentford game. We need to look after him, and that’s why I didn’t involve him in the last game.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
