“Outstanding” Chelsea star already loved by Rosenior ‘would be open’ to leaving club in the summer

Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)

Chelsea’s early momentum under Liam Rosenior has given supporters plenty of encouragement.

A confident 3–1 victory away at Crystal Palace at the weekend followed wins over Charlton, Brentford and Pafos FC, meaning four victories from the new head coach’s opening five matches.

Even the lone setback — a narrow EFL Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Arsenal — came with enough positives to suggest the Blues are moving in the right direction.

However, just as optimism has begun to build, Rosenior could be confronted with an uncomfortable situation involving one of his standout performers — a player he has already publicly labelled as “outstanding”.

Cole Palmer would reportedly be open to a surprise summer exit from Chelsea, with Manchester United emerging as a potential destination.

According to Sun Sport, the England international has struggled to fully settle in London since arriving from Manchester City, and sources suggest he remains deeply attached to his roots in the north-west.

Palmer, a lifelong Manchester United supporter, is said to be receptive to interest from Old Trafford should it materialise.

A return to City is understood to be off the table, with Pep Guardiola still in charge at the Etihad. Instead, Palmer’s preference would be a move closer to home, with the report claiming he regularly travels back to Wythenshawe to spend time with family and friends.

Injury has also disrupted his campaign. A lingering groin problem has limited the 23-year-old to just 11 starts this season, and he was notably absent from Chelsea’s squad for the win over Palace on Sunday.

There is also a notable connection at United, where director of football Jason Wilcox previously worked as academy chief at Manchester City during Palmer’s formative years.

While nothing is imminent, the prospect of Palmer pushing for a move would be a major blow for Chelsea. Losing a homegrown, match-winning talent — one already embraced by Rosenior — would represent a huge setback just as the club appears to be finding its feet again.

For now, the Blues will hope improved performances and a clearer long-term vision are enough to convince their “outstanding” star that his future still lies at Stamford Bridge.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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