Cole Palmer has been linked with a shock move to Manchester United during the January transfer window. The 23-year-old rose through Manchester City’s academy and has since become one of Chelsea’s star players, but the midfielder was a boyhood United fan.

Palmer established himself as one of English football’s standout talents across his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, scoring 43 goals and providing 29 assists in 97 matches. Injuries have limited his impact so far this term, restricting the England international to 13 appearances. The Sun has reported that Palmer would be open to joining United in the summer due to being unsettled in London, though he would not entertain a return to City. Since joining Chelsea, the midfielder has made his feelings clear about the club he grew up supporting.

Palmer scored a hat-trick against United at Stamford Bridge in April 2024 and was awkwardly asked about being a boyhood fan after helping his side to a 4-3 win. “Yeah, when I was growing up, I was a United fan,” he told TNT Sports.

“I just think to try and do the same thing. But I’ve scored away and a few here today, so I’m buzzing. I just try and take each game as it comes and show the Chelsea fans and everyone what I came here to do and that is just play football.”

Later that year, Palmer reiterated his ties to United when discussing his childhood idol. He told talkSPORT: “Wayne Rooney. I was a United fan when I was younger, and I used to watch him all the time.”

In January 2025, the Chelsea star admitted to Sky Sports that playing at Old Trafford still held special memories: “When I do go back to the stadium [Old Trafford] it’s good because I used to go and watch matches there.”

While it is evident that Palmer still feels an affiliation with United, particularly when he plays at Old Trafford, he has been able to put those emotions aside during his professional career. Despite claims that he is unsettled, Palmer previously signed an improved Chelsea contract until 2033, meaning it would likely take an eye-watering transfer fee to complete a deal.

New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has already addressed the speculation around Palmer: “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole, and he seems very happy to be here,” Rosenior said. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.

“My job and the club’s job is to get him into a situation where he can consistently perform to the level he wants to. There was frustration in the Brentford game. We need to look after him, and that’s why I didn’t involve him in the last game.”