Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly leading the race to sign Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer on loan.
This summer Palmer has attracted interest from various Premier League sides and clubs across Europe after he endured a frustrating season at City.
The 21-year-old – who played a key role in England’s U21 European Championship triumph this summer – started just seven matches across City’s treble-winning season as his progress stagnated.
Brighton lead the race
After Palmer enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2021/22 – Guardiola called him a “special talent” after scoring his first Champions League goal – City are unwilling to sell the attacker after one disappointing season.
However, the Premier League champions are willing to send him out on loan and clubs are now scrambling to secure his services.
According to James Ducker at The Telegraph, Brighton are in pole position to land Palmer on loan before the end of the transfer window.
Burnley and Leicester – managed by former City employees Vincent Kompany and Enzo Maresca respectively – are both keen on the youngster, as are a number of overseas clubs, but it is Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton who are at the front of the queue.
As reported by Ducker, Guardiola and City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain “are admirers of Roberto De Zerbi’s style of play and believe Brighton would be a good fit for Palmer if he was to leave.”
MCN view: Palmer loan is hard to weigh up
Given the expected departure of Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, loaning out Palmer now seems like a daft idea.
Since making his senior City debut, one of Palmer’s main barriers to regular game time has been Mahrez. If the Algerian leaves, then there are more minutes to be had on City’s right flank.
City are traditionally wary about sending players out on loan – those who leave on a temporary basis tend not to ever come back.
However, as James McAtee showed last season at Sheffield United, time away from the club can be beneficial.
Palmer’s England U21 teammate impressed in the Championship and will have the chance to prove his worth to Guardiola during City’s pre-season tour in Asia.
A change of scenery and a near-guarantee of top-flight minutes could be just what Palmer needs to get his promising career back on track.
