Cole Palmer has become unhappy at Chelsea and is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, amidst strong interest from several European giants, with Real Madrid leading the pack.
Palmer suffered an injury at the start of this season, and Chelsea then entered a spiral of poor results that culminated in the sacking of manager Enzo Maresca. Things haven’t gone well for the England international since the appointment of Liam Rosenior.
Palmer is unhappy with his role and Chelsea’s style of play
According to The Sun, Palmer is unhappy with the significant changes in Chelsea’s style of play over the last two months, which have negatively impacted his form and individual statistics.
Palmer feels he has been denied the space he needs to shine on the pitch, in addition to missing playing alongside Senegalese striker Nicholas Jackson and failing to adapt to the other options at center forward this season.
It is said that Palmer openly expressed his anger in the dressing room about how things have been going recently, especially after the humiliating defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in both legs. This is seen as a preliminary indication of his desire to leave the London club in the upcoming transfer window.
The final straw for Palmer’s time at Chelsea would be if the Blues fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Chelsea currently sit sixth in the Premier League with 48 points, a full six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. However, Palmer’s teammates still have a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League, given the possibility of England being given an additional spot next season. This would allow them to qualify from fifth place, currently held by Liverpool, who are just one point ahead of the London club.
Three clubs are interested in signing Palmer
According to the report, three clubs are closely monitoring Palmer’s situation at Chelsea, preparing to make a move for him in the upcoming transfer window. Spanish giants Real Madrid are among the leading contenders.
Real Madrid needs to bolster its attack on the right wing following Rodrygo’s injury and the potential departure of Brahim Diaz. Signing a world-class player like Cole Palmer would undoubtedly provide the desired boost to Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad.
Bayern Munich also appears as a possible destination for Palmer, although practically speaking, given the presence of Michael Uliseley, who is arguably the Bavarians’ second most important player this season after Harry Kane.
🚨 Cole Palmer is growing frustrated at Chelsea and is expected to consider leaving this summer.
Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all monitoring his situation, with the player open to a move to United.
[@samuelluckhurst] pic.twitter.com/svmCBM4mAI
— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) March 28, 2026
From the Premier League, Manchester United remains eager to sign Palmer, who has stated on several occasions that he is a fan of the Red Devils and would be interested in wearing their shirt at some point.
A return to Manchester City is also an option for Palmer
The 23-year-old could potentially return to Manchester City, especially if Pep Guardiola leaves the Etihad Stadium next summer.
Enzo Maresca, the manager who successfully developed Palmer’s abilities at Chelsea, remains the leading candidate to replace Guardiola, making a move for the English player highly likely.
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Palmer with Chelsea
Cole Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City for €47 million in the summer of 2013 and quickly established himself as the Blues’ star player, leading the club to its first title under the new ownership by winning the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
This season has been one of Palmer’s weakest statistically, with only 10 goals and 3 assists in 25 appearances, having missed significant time due to a hamstring injury.
Overall, Palmer has made 122 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring 53 goals and providing 32 assists.
