Cole Palmer speculation grows as Chelsea respond to Manchester United links

January 27, 2026 Oliver Obel

Chelsea have played down suggestions that Cole Palmer is unsettled in London, insisting injury frustration — not homesickness — lies behind a difficult season for the England forward.

Recent media reports have linked the 23-year-old with a potential return to Manchester, but the club’s leadership has sought to dampen speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge.

Injury disrupts momentum

Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in September 2023 and quickly emerged as one of the Premier League’s most productive attackers. He scored 25 goals and recorded 15 assists in 46 appearances during his debut campaign, becoming a central figure in the club’s rebuild.

That form carried into the following season, when he finished the 2024–25 campaign as Chelsea’s leading scorer with 18 goals. This year, however, his progress has stalled. A recurring groin problem has limited Palmer to 11 starts, disrupting both his rhythm and availability.

Chelsea have stressed that managing his fitness remains the priority, particularly after visible frustration during recent matches.

Media reports link Palmer to Manchester

Amid his injury setbacks, The Sun reported that Palmer has struggled personally away from football, claiming he “does not particularly enjoy life down south” and misses family and friends in Wythenshawe, where he grew up.

The newspaper later suggested that Palmer would be “open” to a move to Manchester United if interest developed. According to the report, Palmer supported United as a child and would welcome a switch to Old Trafford, while ruling out a return to Manchester City, his former club.

The claims have prompted renewed debate about Palmer’s long-term future, particularly as United continue to assess attacking options and Chelsea navigate another transitional season.

Rosenior rejects uncertainty claims

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior dismissed the idea that Palmer is unhappy when asked about the reports ahead of a match against Crystal Palace.

“I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here. He is very, very happy to be here. He's a huge part of our plans in the long term. He's an outstanding player,” Rosenior said.

He pointed to injury as the source of Palmer’s frustration rather than dissatisfaction with the club.

“And there was frustration in the Brentford game, not because he wasn't happy here, just because he couldn't perform. He was in pain. He couldn't perform to the level he wanted to do for the club,” Rosenior added.

Rosenior also explained Chelsea’s cautious approach to managing Palmer’s workload: “He's a great kid and he's an outstanding player, but we have to make sure that we look after him in the right way. That's why I didn't involve him in the last game.”

For now, Chelsea maintain that Palmer remains central to their plans, even as speculation continues to follow one of England’s most promising attackers.

Sources: The Sun