Arrival of new Manchester City assistant manager could ‘spark revival’ for 21-year-old winger

Despite speculation pointing towards a summer loan exit for Cole Palmer, new details have hinted towards a possible turnaround for the Manchester City youngster.

Following the success of James McAtee on-loan at recently promoted Premier League side Sheffield United last season, and his subsequent reintegration into the Manchester City first-team set-up during pre-season, a similar plan was being drawn up for current starlets.

Cole Palmer was identified as one such name that could benefit from a temporary move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, after the England under-21 international struggled for consistent game-time last season through a mixture of fitness and injury problems.

Now, despite work being put into place to source the ideal environment for Palmer during the upcoming campaign, it is being suggested that the possibility of a stay at Manchester City is a real one due to recent events.

According to a new detailed report from Sam Lee on the ongoing transfer business at Manchester City for The Athletic, is is now ‘possible’ that Cole Palmer could remain at the Etihad Stadium for the forthcoming season, despite the original intention being the opposite.

It is once again reminded to readers that the 21-year-old Academy graduate was expected to find a temporary move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with a number of Bundesliga sides and Brighton & Hove Albion among interested parties.

However, following the exit of Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli last month as well as the expected arrival of Juanma Lillo to re-join Pep Guardiola in Manchester City’s dugout this season, Palmer may find himself at the club this season after all.

Sam Lee reveals that Cole Palmer had a ‘very good’ relationship with Juanma Lillo, who left his position as assistant to Pep Guardiola last summer to manage Qatari side Al Sadd, and with the Spanish coach now poised to return, it may ‘spark a revival’ by Palmer.

Elsewhere, and according to a recent report from Alan Nixon, it is claimed that Burnley manager and legendary Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is ‘pushing strongly’ to sign Cole Palmer this season as the Turf Moor club prepare for life back in the Premier League.

However, it is reported that the word from within City is that Palmer will not be allowed to leave the club this summer until they have found a senior replacement for Riyad Mahrez, with reports elsewhere indicating the likes of Michael Olise and Jeremy Doku as targets.

Alongside Burnley are Leicester City in the pursuit of Palmer, with the Foxes now coached by former Manchester City assistant coach Enzo Maresca. However, it is indicated that Burnley seem to be offering ‘the best platform’ for Palmer if the Premier League champions sanction an exit.

Despite Burnley interest in the player, there is now the very real possibility that Cole Palmer could be handed the opportunity to impress against his future club, with Manchester City travelling to Turf Moor on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Pep Guardiola is of course likely to opt for either Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva in the wide-right role for that game, while City remain persistent in their hunt for a new winger with the likes of Jeremy Doku and Michael Olise on their shortlist.

Before then, Manchester City have the traditional curtain raiser to the domestic season to contend with, as they take on Arsenal in the FA Community Shield on Sunday evening – their first competitive fixture since being crowned Champions League winners and Treble champions in Istanbul back in June.