Merson ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if PL star with 68 G/A in 111 apps is playing for Man United next season | OneFootball

Paul Merson believes there’s a chance Cole Palmer could make the switch to Manchester United this summer – much to Chelsea fans’ dismay.

With Champions League qualification now slipping further from the Blues’ grasp, they might also struggle to keep hold of some of their most prized assets when the transfer window rolls around.

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Why Palmer is being tipped for a move elsewhere amid Chelsea’s UCL struggles

Palmer, who was part of Manchester City’s treble-winning squad in 2022/2023, has recently suggested that he is keen to continue plying his trade in Europe’s elite competition in the coming seasons.

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Since making the switch to Stamford Bridge in September 2023, he has only added to his UCL experience in one of the three campaigns he’s represented Chelsea, making five appearances this term as the side reached the last-16 before being hammered 8-2 on aggregate by Paris Saint-Germain.

That’s perhaps why Merson has tipped the coveted 23-year-old for a return to the North West – but this time in red and black as opposed to sky blue.

Weighing in on Chelsea’s struggles in his Sky Sports column, the pundit said: “Do you think Cole Palmer will be at Chelsea playing in the Europa Conference League? I don’t think so. Manchester United will get into the Champions League, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was playing there next season.”

Is Palmer to United actually realistic?

It goes without saying that the Old Trafford faithful would jump at the chance of having boyhood Red Palmer added to the ranks in M16 before 2026/2027 gets underway.

His Premier League record speaks for itself, as the young talent has returned a scintillating 46 goals and 22 assists in 111 top-flight appearances.

Palmer’s record in all competitions for Chelsea

However, with the midfield poised to take the utmost priority for INEOS, there’s little to no chance the funds would be available to facilitate a deal for the England star – not to mention the fact that the London outfit will do everything in their power to keep hold of him.

Palmer actually touched on his frequent links to United this month in an attempt to play down the speculation. He told The Guardian: “Everyone just talks. When I see it [speculation over a move back to Manchester], I just laugh.

“Obviously, Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea.”

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