Some expected Cole Palmer to leave Manchester City this summer, but most did not see a move to Chelsea coming – and the winger has now explained why he made the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Palmer left City on transfer deadline day, sealing a £42.5 million move to the Blues.
He links back up with Raheem Sterling, who made the same move a year before.
Some were sad to see Palmer go.
The departure of Riyad Mahrez had perhaps created an opening for the talented youngster.
But City then went out and signed Jeremy Doku, which probably complicated things for Palmer once again.
Palmer has now shared what he was thinking in those final days of the summer transfer window…
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Cole Palmer explains why he pushed to leave Manchester City for Chelsea
Palmer was never a regular for City.
Pep Guardiola gave him appearances him and there. But the 21-year-old could never quite nail down a place, despite looking very promising at times.
And Palmer has now confirmed that the assurances given to him by Chelsea that he will play more was a big factor in his decision.
He said (Daily Mail): “I’m not saying I shied away from the competition (for places at City) because I’ve never done that. I’d been there (around the first team) for a few years and wanted more of an opportunity to play – in my position and to have more of an impact.
“It was a huge decision. When I left the training ground on the Thursday I knew I was going to London the next day. It all just hit me, sat in the car and going to drive out. I was just thinking, ‘you’ve been here 15 years’.
“I don’t know any different. I’ve never been on loan. I’ve never moved out of Manchester. The only time I’ve ever been outside of Manchester is on holiday or away games. Going there does feel weird, but there is no time to waste. I’ve got to get to it.”
Palmer’s reasons for leaving are completely understandable
While it is a bit of shame that Palmer did depart, his reasons for leaving are fair.
The youngster – branded ‘an exceptional talent’ by Joleon Lescott just before his move to Chelsea – stood to play a lot more for City following the exit of Mahrez.
But the Matheus Nunes (meaning Bernardo Silva is set to play more out on the right) and Doku signings were just not ideal for him.
City were at least able to get very good money for him, so it’s a move that has suited everyone.