Cole Palmer’s meteoric rise has sparked interest from top European clubs, including Manchester United. Former Red Devils striker Louis Saha has warned Chelsea that Palmer joining United “would make sense” due to his boyhood affinity for the club. However, Saha believes Palmer is more likely to join Real Madrid.
Palmer, 22, has achieved an impressive 50 goals and assists in the Premier League since the 2023-24 campaign, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite players. His exceptional form has linked him with a move to Real Madrid, and Saha acknowledges Palmer’s desire to play for the Spanish champions.
“Palmer to Manchester United would one day make sense because he grew up being a fan of the club,” Saha said. “However, I can see him being on a trajectory to Real Madrid. He’s a huge star, and I think he’d be a big success if he went to Spain.”
Saha regrets that United missed an opportunity to sign Palmer from Manchester City in 2023, when Chelsea secured the deal for £42.5 million ($49.5 million). The Frenchman praises Palmer’s fearless approach, describing him as a player who thrives under pressure.
“Manchester United should’ve signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City, but it wasn’t so obvious at the time,” Saha said. “Looking at him now, you can see that he lives for the game and always wants to play and improve.”
Palmer’s exceptional form has increased his value, with any future transfer expected to surpass the £100 million mark. He has a deal with Chelsea until 2033, giving the Blues an advantage in negotiations with potential suitors.
Palmer is expected to sit out Chelsea’s upcoming Conference League match against Astana, allowing him to rest and recover. He will likely return to action for their Premier League clash against Brentford on Sunday evening.
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