Cole Palmer outlines key reason for leaving Manchester City for Chelsea

Former Manchester City forward Cole Palmer has revealed the main factor behind completing a surprise transfer to Chelsea.

Palmer, who spent over a decade at Manchester City coming through the club’s academy system, surprisingly moved to Stamford Bridge on Deadline Day for £42.5 million.

The 21-year-old made his Chelsea debut during a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, having previously made three appearances for Manchester City during the opening weeks of the new campaign.

Palmer scored against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield and the equalising goal in the UEFA Super Cup Final, but opted to leave the Etihad Stadium following the arrival of Jeremy Doku from Stade Rennais.

The England U21 international made 41 appearances under Pep Guardiola, but made just 12 starts since his full debut against Burnley in the Carabao Cup in 2020.

Palmer scored just one goal last season, but did impress at the Under-21 European Championship in Georgia, helping England to victory with a deflected free-kick in the final against Spain.

The former Manchester City forward could come up against his boyhood club in November, when the Sky Blues travel to Stamford Bridge to face Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the Premier League.

After leaving the Etihad Stadium last month, Palmer has revealed the major factor behind his decision to move to West London.

Speaking with Jack Gaughan of Daily Mail, the 21-year-old said: “I’m not saying I shied away from the competition [for places at Manchester City] because I’ve never done that.

“I’d been there [around the first-team] for a few years and wanted more of an opportunity to play in my position and to have more of an impact.

“It was a huge decision. When I left the training ground on the Thursday I knew I was going to London the next day. It all just hit me, sat in the car and going to drive out. I was just thinking, ‘you’ve been here 15 years’.

“I don’t know any different. I’ve never been on loan. I’ve never moved out of Manchester. The only time I’ve ever been outside of Manchester is on holiday or away games. Going there does feel weird, but there is no time to waste. I’ve got to get to it.

“Chelsea explained the project, I liked the project. I feel like I can have an impact. I’ve only been there for two days.

A statement from Cole Palmer on Instagram. 👇🩵 pic.twitter.com/knJ2KWgE36

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) September 1, 2023

“I trained the Friday and played the Saturday so I don’t know what it’s like yet. I’ll get more of a feel for it.

“Hopefully I can go back soon to see the guys on City’s academy side, staff are still there who have been with me since I was six years old. To see them would be nice.

“Then when we play City at Stamford Bridge and the Etihad, I can say byes properly and say thank you.”

Palmer had previously been linked with a potential season-long loan move, with Brighton and Burnley amongst the interested clubs.

The forward’s £42.5 million fee is the largest for a City Football Academy graduate, with only Leroy Sane, Ferran Torres and Raheem Sterling having been sold for more money.