Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has firmly played down speculation linking star midfielder Cole Palmer with a move to Manchester United, insisting the England international is happy at Stamford Bridge and remains central to the club’s long-term plans.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace this weekend, Rosenior addressed the growing rumours suggesting Palmer could be tempted back to Manchester, where he was born and raised. Reports had claimed the 22-year-old misses home and harbours childhood support for the Red Devils, fuelling talk of a possible switch to Old Trafford.

However, the Chelsea boss was quick to rubbish those claims.

“I’ve spoken to Cole many times, and he appears to be really happy here,” Rosenior said.
“He plays a major role in our long-term plans. Every player faces injury issues, and it’s a normal part of being a footballer.”

Palmer, a product of Manchester City’s academy, made 41 senior appearances for the reigning champions before joining Chelsea in 2023 in search of regular game time. That decision has paid off handsomely. Since arriving in west London, the midfielder has been nothing short of sensational, registering 48 goals and 29 assists in 110 appearances, quickly establishing himself as one of the Blues’ most important players.

This season, however, Palmer has had to contend with injury setbacks, featuring in just 13 matches across all competitions, where he has still managed to score five goals—a testament to his quality and influence whenever he is available.

Opinion: More Noise Than Substance

Transfer rumours often grow louder when elite players hit a brief rough patch, and Palmer’s injury struggles this season appear to have opened the door for speculation rather than substance. Chelsea’s stance is clear: Palmer is not only happy but also viewed as a cornerstone of their future.

While a romantic return to Manchester may sound appealing on paper, Palmer’s career trajectory at Chelsea tells a more convincing story. He is trusted, celebrated, and given the freedom to express himself—luxuries he didn’t fully enjoy at City and might not immediately receive at United.

For now, this feels less like an impending transfer and more like idle talk driven by nostalgia and headlines. If fitness returns and form follows—as history suggests it will—Palmer’s focus is likely to remain exactly where it is: shining in blue, not red.