Man United move? 

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Cole Palmer’s status as one of the most technically gifted footballers in the Premier League is undeniable but the Chelsea star’s form has collapsed this season. Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea splurged €47m to sign the Englishman but he firmly silenced his detractors with a stunning maiden season at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer shot to stardom after 40 goal contributions across all competitions, which led to him being named the Premier League Young Player of the Season and the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. The attacking midfielder’s dream season continued with a goal in the Euro 2024 final and he was firmly a global superstar with his renowned celebration. Palmer, however, has failed to reach those heights across the last two seasons in tandem with Chelsea’s struggles and his future at the Blues is uncertain.

Analysing Cole Palmer’s numbers

It’s simply factual that Palmer’s numbers have declined gradually across his three seasons at Chelsea but it’s his current form that has sparked concern. The 24-year-old hasn’t provided a goal contribution in his last nine games and he looked visibly disconnected during the weekend defeat to Nottingham Forest, when he missed a penalty. It’s important to highlight mitigating factors like the turmoil at Chelsea this season and Palmer has endured injury problems this season – some claim that the midfielder is still carrying a knock. But as the graphic below clearly illustrates, this is Palmer’s least productive campaign since moving to Stamford Bridge.

The Englishman has ten goals and only three assists across 30 appearances this season with an average of 0.56 goal contributions per 90 minutes. Palmer’s attacking output is down slightly from last season when he scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 52 goals with an average of 0.68 g/a per 90. However, Palmer’s productivity in terms of goal contributions has almost halved this season compared to his breakthrough debut campaign at Chelsea. The former Man City starlet averaged a goal involvement every game with 25 goals and 15 assists across 45 games.

What does the future hold?

Chelsea’s stance on Palmer is unequivocal – he’s not for sale. There’s been constant speculation around Manchester United’s potential interest and it’s no secret that Palmer is a boyhood supporter of the Old Trafford club. Ahead of facing United in the Premier League last month, Palmer distanced himself from those reports and reaffirmed his commitment to United but importantly, he stressed the importance of Champions League qualification.

“I believe in what the club is doing,” Palmer said. “Hopefully, I and we [Chelsea] can win a lot. If we’re not in the Champions League, a lot changes. Everything changes, really.” Many perceived Palmer’s comments as an indication that he could look to leave, if Chelsea don’t qualify for the Champions League. The Blues won’t achieve that objective, which has brought Palmer’s future back into focus but it’s extremely unlikely that a club will submit an offer close to his valuation on Transfermarkt of €110 million. United do have a long-standing interest in Palmer but their priority this summer is two add two central midfielders, which means it’s likely that he will remain at Chelsea.