Manchester City should reject any transfer or loan interest in young sensation Cole Palmer, and integrate him further into the first-team next season.
The 21-year-old is one of City’s finest prospects in an academy that has seen a lot of talent depart the club on permanent deals, albeit with buyback clauses.
The likes of Romeo Lavia and James Trafford have left for significant fees, with the possibility that they could return one day, but this is not the route Palmer should follow.
There was reported interest from Brighton in a permanent deal, as well as a number of clubs keen on a loan move for the Englishman, but City should reject all of this interest.
Palmer made 25 appearances in all competitions last season, highlighting his increased role in the first-team squad, but just seven of these were from the start.
Is Palmer ready for an increased role?
The City Academy graduate is ready to follow the path of Phil Foden, who endured a number of frustrating years before becoming an important part of Pep Guardiola’s side, but Palmer may even find himself with a greater opportunity in this coming season.
The departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez were met with some disappointment, but the loss of two older players could make way for Palmer to have an increased role in the side.
Palmer’s versatility means he can comfortably play almost anywhere across the midfield and wings and could be trialled as an option on the right to replace Mahrez, or in the centre as an alternative to Mateo Kovacic.
His remarkable technique and ability in the final third has seen him score 22 and assist 11 times in just 29 games for the under-21 side, and if given more chances next season, City could watch him explode into a full member of the first-team squad.
They have been linked with fellow 21-year-old Michael Olise, but if they cannot complete a deal for the Crystal Palace star, then Palmer could be an excellent ready-made alternative to the Frenchman.
Paul Dickov has previously described Palmer as “outstanding,” and now might be the perfect time for City to integrate another potentially world-class talent into their treble-winning squad.
