Usually, players’ decisions to leave Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side always seem like massive risks.
Unless the player in question decides to leave City due to a lack of regular playing time, the decision seems bound to backfire on them.
For instance, Leroy Sane was not playing regularly during the 2018/2019 season.
However, the German’s decision to depart the Etihad Stadium has not been one that has worked wonders since he joined Bayern Munich in 2020.
Sane is yet to become the consistently elite winger he could have during his time at Manchester City and he seems to have lost his place to Serge Gnabry this campaign as well.
As a result, it is a bold decision for any player to bid farewell to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Shearer shares honest verdict on Cole Palmer leaving Man City
While Raheem Sterling was also not a guaranteed starter during his final season at City, his stock has plummeted during his spell at Chelsea.
Arsenal have provided Sterling a chance to redeem himself.
But before Mikel Arteta’s side came calling, the Englishman’s career at the top level seemed like it was in freefall.
Cole Palmer, however, continues to thrive at Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in a masterful performance during the Blues’ 4-2 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The former Manchester City academy graduate is having yet another blistering start to the campaign, registering six goals and two assists for Chelsea in the Premier League so far.
The 22-year-old has a case for being the most in-form player in the country alongside Erling Haaland.
Shay Given initially had his say on Palmer for Premier League Productions: “Unbelievable. He is a special talent. Obviously, playing for England now as well, he has stepped up to the plate. You say De Bruyne and Rodri and stuff, would he be starting for Manchester City now if he had stayed? But he made the decision to join Chelsea and it has been a great decision.”
Alan Shearer chimed in by claiming that Palmer made the correct choice by leaving Manchester City to sign for Chelsea.
“It has been a great decision to leave and he’s an incredible player.”
Cole Palmer would not have shone like this at Man City
Palmer was always a world-class talent but one of the reasons why he has looked like a superstar at Chelsea is due to how much freedom he is afforded on the pitch.
As a result, the Wythenshawe-born attacker is allowed to pick up positions across the pitch and work his magic; from attacking midfield to the right-wing, in central midfield and even as deep as at right-back.
Furthermore, Chelsea do not face as many deep blocks as Manchester City do.
At City, Palmer would have had to contend for minutes on the flank as Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
Furthermore, the England international would have less positional freedom due to not being the standout player at Manchester as he is at Chelsea.
The Sky Blues might well and truly regret their decision to sell Palmer unless he starts winning major silverware.
