"I think maybe there was a clash between him and Pep" - Pundit explains why Chelsea star Cole Palmer left Manchester City
Former England defender Danny Mills has offered an interesting explanation as to why Chelsea star Cole Palmer left Manchester City. The pundit claims that the England international did not see eye to eye with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
The Blues signed Palmer from City last year for a reported £40 million transfer fee. The English attacker instantly had an impact on Mauricio Pochettino's side, playing a crucial role in his debut campaign. He racked up 27 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, helping Chelsea finish sixth in the league.
Given his exceptional form since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, it begged the question of why Guardiola let such a talent leave the club, and Mills has a theory. The former Manchester City defender said on talkSPORT (via TEAMtalk):
“The problem that I think he had at Manchester City, Pep likes to play in a certain way and Pep doesn’t really like those sort of freedom-esque players."
"I don’t think Cole Palmer was willing to do that and was willing to change and become a player that’s going to sit in that position and work back and do as he told.”
He added:
“Palmer’s personality just seems like ‘Well I’m just going to play football and I’m going to do this'. And I think maybe there was a clash between him and Pep, where he wouldn’t do what Pep wanted him to do and that’s why ultimately Pep let him go.”
Palmer made 41 first-team appearances during his time at Manchester City, recording six goals and two assists.
Pundit claims Cole Palmer could be open to Chelsea exit if they go trophyless this season
William Gallas believes Cole Palmer may depart Stamford Bridge next summer if the Blues do not win any trophies this season. The pundit put forth Barcelona as a potential destination for the English attacker if that's the case.
However, he feels the presence of young players like Lamine Yamal would pose a problem for Palmer. Gallas said:
"Barcelona would be a great move for him, but they have great young players already like Lamine Yamal and might also be signing Nico Williams."
The former Arsenal defender added:
"Palmer looks like he is going to have a very similar season to last year and even though he is young, it will be tough to see his friends winning trophies if he isn't at Chelsea despite the way he is playing. I won't be surprised if he wants to speak to Chelsea in the summer if they again fail to win a trophy."
Palmer's contract with the Blues runs until 2033, having signed a two-year contract extension in the summer. The England international has had an excellent start to the 2024-25 season, contributing six goals and five assists in Chelsea's opening seven league games.