Chelsea spoke to Raheem Sterling about Cole Palmer before sending a bid to Manchester City for the England Under-21 international.
That is according to the Telegraph.
So, what did Raheem Sterling say about Cole Palmer? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the England international is said to have given Chelsea a glowing reference of the City Football Academy graduate before a £42.5m deal was eventually agreed on transfer deadline day, and believes there are strong leadership qualities in the 21-year-old.
Sterling is also said to have helped Palmer – who Anton Ferdinand compared to Riyad Mahrez – settle in west London.
That was surely a huge bonus for the youngster, who had spent 15 years at Manchester City – not even leaving to experience a loan move elsewhere at any point.
Sterling himself made the switch from Manchester City to Chelsea in July 2022 – so he knew more than most about how to help Palmer settle in quickly.
The Manchester-born wonderkid is now shining after finally breaking into Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI, scoring three goals, while also providing two assists, in his last four Premier League appearances.
Manchester City need to be wary of Cole Palmer on Sunday
Palmer is playing with real personality at Chelsea – that much was evident in Monday’s London derby against Tottenham, where he stepped up to score a penalty before shushing the Spurs fans.
The Chelsea No.20 is a real character who has plenty of belief in his own ability, which means Manchester City need to be wary of him in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Of course, Pep Guardiola knows all about Palmer, having coached him for many years at the Etihad Stadium, so Manchester City supporters will be hopeful that the Spaniard has the blueprints to stop him.
Whatever happens, it is sure to be an entertaining spectacle when Palmer and Manchester City meet again on Sunday.
