JUST IN: Manchester United Move to Sign Cole Palmer Amid Medical Plans Today
Manchester United officials have reportedly traveled to Italy in a decisive push to secure a major transfer for Michael Carrick, with a medical for the deal scheduled to take place today.
The Red Devils are eyeing Chelsea star Cole Palmer, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who is said to be receptive to a move to Old Trafford, according to reports from the Express.
Palmer, a product of Manchester City’s youth academy, made his first-team debut for the Citizens in 2020. Despite showing promise, he struggled to establish himself in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven, prompting a move to Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
At Stamford Bridge, Palmer immediately made an impact, impressively scoring 25 goals and providing 15 assists across 46 appearances in his debut campaign.
His performances continued at a high level in the following season, contributing to 26 goals across all competitions and helping Chelsea secure the Conference League title.
The midfielder also played a key role in Chelsea’s triumph at the Club World Cup, where the West London side thrashed European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final. Palmer’s influence was significant in that tournament, contributing five goals and assists over six matches.
His consistent performances at Chelsea earned him a place in the England national team, where he has already made notable contributions, including a goal in the European Championship final against Spain.
However, this season has been challenging for Palmer due to a persistent groin injury, which has limited his ability to replicate the high standards of previous campaigns.
In addition to his fitness concerns, sources suggest that Palmer has struggled to fully settle in London, leading to speculation that a return to his hometown of Manchester could be on the cards.
Being a lifelong Manchester United supporter, Palmer may view a move to Old Trafford as a dream opportunity, though a return to Manchester City or a switch to Liverpool appears highly unlikely.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are not under pressure to sell Palmer, with his contract running until 2033. If forced to consider a transfer, the club would reportedly demand a fee exceeding £100 million, reflecting the player’s potential and importance to the squad.
For Manchester United, securing Palmer could also serve as a contingency plan in light of Bruno Fernandes’ contract situation, as the Portuguese star’s deal is set to expire at the end of next season.
United’s hierarchy may view the acquisition of a young, creative midfielder as essential to maintaining their long-term competitiveness, particularly if Fernandes departs.
Should Manchester United manage to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, they may strengthen their position in negotiations with Chelsea and convince Palmer to make the move.
With the club’s eyes firmly on bolstering their attacking creativity, a concrete approach for the England international seems increasingly plausible, potentially reshaping the Red Devils’ midfield for years to come.
