Former Chelsea defender, William Gallas, has stated that Cole Palmer’s departure from Stamford Bridge to Manchester United this summer is inevitable.
United has maintained a long-standing interest in Palmer, who has emerged as one of the top players in the Premier League since his £40m transfer to Stamford Bridge.
In 2023, Manchester City opted to sell Palmer, who has since developed into one of the most prominent figures in European football at the age of 24.
Palmer concluded his inaugural season at Chelsea with an impressive tally of 27 goals and 15 assists, achieving more goal involvements than any other player in the Premier League.
Due to fitness concerns and a slight decline in form, Palmer was unable to replicate those figures in the subsequent two seasons in west London; however, he has still managed to contribute 29 goals for Chelsea since his breakout season.
Last season, Palmer was tentatively linked with a potential move away from Stamford Bridge, with reports indicating that he felt frustrated and unsettled at Chelsea.
At that time, both Manchester United and Manchester City were rumoured to be interested in acquiring Palmer, although Chelsea expressed that they considered the England international to be one of the ‘untouchable’ members of their squad.
Nevertheless, former Premier League defender Gallas is of the opinion that it is merely a question of when, not if, Palmer will join the club he supported during his youth, Manchester United.
Gallas remarked to iPredicta, “He will definitely go to Manchester United in the future if he’s a big fan; if he has a dream to play for Man United, he will certainly go there, but at this moment, I don’t believe so.
“I think he needs to have one more significant season like he did two years ago, prior to his injury issues, and then he might make the move.”
Chelsea concluded the previous season in a disappointing 10th place in the Premier League, failing to secure qualification for any European competitions.
Transfer: ‘He’ll definitely go’ – William Gallas on Cole Palmer joining Man United