Cole Palmer is a new big name linked with Manchester United after suggestions he was keen on a return to Manchester after nearly three years at Chelsea
Cole Palmer would be a huge signing for Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Cole Palmer is a name that will excite Manchester United supporters and for all the right reasons. After the 23-year-old moved to Chelsea from Manchester City, Palmer has become one of the Premier League’s best players.
In two-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, the England international has scored 48 goals and assisted 29. His minutes have been restricted this campaign due to an ongoing groin injury, but he has still managed five goals in 13 games.
Palmer was linked with a move to United last week after reports suggested he was homesick. After supporting United as a child, Palmer then came through the academy ranks at Manchester City.
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But reports have focussed on the connection between Palmer and United – and what would be a sensational move for him. However, the big signing comes with one major headache: Bruno Fernandes.
Less than 12 months after being the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Fernandes’ future is once again under consideration with his contract expiring in 2027, albeit with an option to extend for a further year. After he remained in England, the United captain made it clear he was “hurt” by the club hierarchy, feeling they were trying to sell him.
Bruno Fernandes nearly left Manchester United last summer(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Interest is guaranteed to resurface at the end of the season and talk of a lucrative move to the Middle East has refused to fall on deaf ears. The Mirror has reported that United could pay him around £400,000 a week to convince him to stay and reject a big contract elsewhere.
Fernandes is still United’s best player, having contributed 16 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions. In Michael Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 system, the playmaker is expected to play a key role in United’s quest for Champions League football.
However, it’s tough to see Palmer and Fernandes at United. At Chelsea, Palmer has enjoyed his best football in the No.10 role, scoring 32 goals and assisting 18 in 73 games, according to transfermarkt.com.
Cole Palmer helped Chelsea win the Conference League in 2025(Image: Getty Images)
If Fernandes stays beyond the summer, where does Palmer fit in? He can play out wide, particularly on the right, but the Chelsea star’s best position is in the hole. A sensational return to Manchester for Palmer would surely only make sense if Fernandes is allowed to secure a massive contract in Saudi Arabia.
No matter what happens with arrivals, the big decision for United will be whether to pay the money required to keep Fernandes. The upcoming summer window could be the final opportunity for United to receive a good fee and for Fernandes to secure his last big contract of his career, but there is little doubt his quality remains.
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