Transfer fee, final interview, possible replacements: Cole Palmer leaves Manchester City for Chelsea

Manchester City have confirmed the departure of academy graduate Cole Palmer.

The England under-21 international will leave the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge, moving to Chelsea after spending over a decade at the City Football Academy, developing through the Manchester City youth ranks.

To date, Cole Palmer has made a total of 41 first-team appearances for Manchester City since making his debut against Burnley in the Carabao Cup back in 2020.

The versatile forward, who also operated in midfield at times under Pep Guardiola, scored two goals in three appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, netting in both the FA Community Shield against Arsenal and UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla.

The 21-year-old has scored six goals for the Sky Blues in total, netting in the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Cole Palmer’s last Premier League start for Manchester City came against Brentford at the end of the last season, with questions marks having surrounded the future of the Englishman after a lack of first-team opportunities.

Chelsea emerged as a shock destination across the duration of Wednesday, with the two Premier League clubs agreeing a transfer fee within hours of reports surfacing.

After Manchester City confirmed the departure of the Cole Palmer, here is everything you need to know about the deal itself!

What are the terms of the Cole Palmer to Chelsea deal?

Cole Palmer has moved to Stamford Bridge as part of an overall £42.5 million deal, worth £40 million as an initial transfer fee, and a further £2.5 million in potential add-ons.

Who else was interested in signing Cole Palmer?

The 21-year-old was subject to interest from both Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley during the summer transfer window, with speculation surrounding a loan deal prior to a bombshell revelation from Pep Guardiola, where the Catalan revealed that the forward would either stay or be sold.

Brighton are understood to have seen a proposal worth in the region of £30 million rejected by the Premier League champions, while West Ham United were keen on a temporary agreement during talks over a possible Lucas Paqueta deal.

Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund also held a tenuous interest, however the finances at play in a potential deal meant talks failed to get off the ground.

What has Cole Palmer said upon leaving Manchester City?

In a statement on his official social media channels, Cole Palmer said, “Manchester City has been a part of my life for 15 years and it’s all I’ve ever known since the age of six. I have been very lucky to work with some amazing people along the way.

“To the coaches the staff, the physios and to all the people behind the scenes. I am very grateful and just want to thank you for helping me become who I am today. Also I would like to thank my team mates for the most amazing memories we created on and off the pitch together.

“I will never forget them, it was an honour to play with you all and I wish you all the best of luck. Thank you to Pep Guardiola and his staff for the opportunity’s to play for this amazing club and giving me the memories only a small few can ever dream of, I will be forever grateful.

“Finally to the fans, thanks for all the support you have shown me as one of your own. Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart. All the best. Cole”

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Speaking to ManCity.com, Cole Palmer said, “I have had a fantastic time at Manchester City and I would like to thank everyone who’s been there for me and supported me during my time at the Club – players, coaches, staff.
 
“It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was Under-18 captain and I leave now having been involved in the Treble-winning squad and the UEFA Super Cup triumph too, incredible achievements I was so grateful to be a part of.

“It’s been an amazing journey for me and I’ve enjoyed every single step. The next step is leaving the football club. I leave with many happy memories and wish everyone at City the very best for the future.”

What has Txiki Begiristain said about Cole Palmer?

Txiki Begiristain told ManCity.com, “Cole has come up through our Academy system and been a model professional throughout that time. We’ve enjoyed watching his development and I’d also like to pay tribute, as I am sure Cole would, to the coaches who’ve aided his progress through the years. 

“Cole was a valuable member of the Treble-winning squad and we won’t forget the impact he made in our victory in the UEFA Super Cup success that followed. We wish Cole well for the future.”

Who could replace Cole Palmer at Manchester City?

Manchester City completed the signing of Jeremy Doku for £55.4 million last week from Rennes, with the Belgian winger becoming the Blues’ third signing of the summer transfer window.

City are unlikely to sign another direct option to replace Palmer this summer.