Manchester City to sanction transfer for first-team forward after lacklustre campaign

Cole Palmer is set to be allowed to leave Manchester City this summer after a frustrating campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

The 21 year-old, who joined Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad for their treble winning 2022/23 campaign, could look to leave Manchester City this summer in search of regular minutes, after making just seven starts for the Sky Blues.

Palmer made 28 appearances across all competitions during the campaign, but scored just one goal, netting against Burnley in the 6-0 thrashing in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals in March.

The forward started against both Chelsea and Brentford in the Premier League last month, and also featured against Southampton and Sevilla, as well as making an appearance from the bench during Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United.

Palmer’s frustrating season came amidst successful campaigns for fellow City youngsters James McAtee and Tommy Doyle, with the midfield pairing enjoying an impressive spell on-loan at Bramall Lane with Sheffield United.

The 21 year-old could now look to follow in the footsteps of McAtee and Doyle, as Craig Hope reports that Manchester City are set to allow Palmer to leave this summer, with the most ‘likely’ move to be a loan deal.

It is hoped that the England U21 international will be more hardened to senior football following a loan spell after a ‘disappointing’ season with the first-team squad, according to the Daily Mail.

Palmer has previously spoken about the difficulties he endured during the season, saying in March: “The season has been tough, I’m not going to lie. When you’re not playing it does affect you.

“When I’ve played this season, I don’t think I’ve played to the ability I could have. I don’t really have any complaints to be honest.

“Maybe when I have played, I’ve been trying that bit too hard to try and do something. Maybe I was putting too much pressure on myself, that when I did get the opportunity thinking ‘right, I’ve got to do something here’ so I can have a chance of staying in the team.

“It’s been frustrating but I’m not one to stop. The coaches believe in me and they’ve told me that. It’s up to me to prove my ability.

“In training you have to do more than you’re doing, You can’t just do the bare minimum and expect to play. I’ve got to do more and more. I’m at one of the best teams in the world, with the best players, so I try not to get too down.”