Cole Palmer’s stance on Man Utd transfer leaks as Sir Jim Ratcliffe put on alert | Football | Sport

Cole Palmer is reportedly receptive to a stunning summer return to his boyhood club, Manchester United, following fresh suggestions that he is currently unsettled at Chelsea. Palmer, 23, relocated to London from Manchester City in a £42.5million deal two-and-a-half years ago. He has developed into one of the Blues’ most pivotal attacking talents – but the England international is now being linked with a shock return to the North West.

According to The Sun, Palmer would ‘welcome’ approaches from Manchester United, the side he supported as a youngster, should they express any intention to lure him to Old Trafford. He would not, however, entertain a comeback to City, where he progressed through the youth system, whilst Pep Guardiola remains at the helm. Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, witnessed Palmer’s development through the City academy firsthand owing to his former position with the club and is understood to be a massive admirer of a player who netted 15 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League last term.

The report suggests that Palmer, who penned an enhanced deal running until 2033 just last season, is pining for his hometown of Wythenshawe.

Injuries have plagued Palmer during the 2025-26 campaign, limiting him to merely 13 outings for Chelsea. He was absent from Sunday’s 3-1 triumph over Crystal Palace owing to a thigh problem, something Liam Rosenior confirmed pre-match.

Rosenior has already responded to transfer rumours amid suggestions that Palmer is homesick in the capital. “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here,” the new Blues head coach said last week. “He’s a huge part in 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.”

Palmer’s stance gives United’s decision-makers INEOS something to think about. The Red Devils already have an abundance of attacking talent but Palmer is a world-class homegrown player who could be their next superstar.