Cole Palmer to leave Chelsea? One former Champions League winner suggests Blues risk losing star player this summer.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggests Cole Palmer might be questioning his Chelsea future due to a lack of Champions League football.
Despite his impressive scoring and creative record since joining the West London club, with 55 goals or assists in 67 Premier League matches, Palmer has only played a mere 183 minutes in Europe's top club competition.
The ex-defender finds it surprising that Liverpool, who face Chelsea this weekend, are not considering the Englishman as a potential signing, even though he acknowledges it is likely far-fetched given the Reds’ transfer strategy.
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Carragher questions Palmer’s Chelsea future
The 2005 Champions League winner drew a parallel between Palmer's apparent frustration, evident in a match against Brighton, and Steven Gerrard's similar feelings during difficult periods on Merseyside.
He recalls how Chelsea attempted to sign Gerrard multiple times because top players have limited patience for mediocrity and want to compete at the highest level.
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“There was a moment during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion in February which must have set off alarm bells in the Stamford Bridge boardroom,” wrote Carragher in his Telegraph column.
“Palmer’s demeanour was one of frustration. It reminded me of Steven Gerrard during the more difficult periods at Liverpool, where he was looking around the pitch and realising team-mates were not at the required level.
“Gerrard started to ask himself if he was at the right club, prompting Chelsea to try to sign him in three successive summers between 2003-2005. On two occasions they were very close to doing the deal.
“The reason the transfer nearly happened was because world-class players can only tolerate mediocrity for so long. Careers are short, and those with ambition who feel their talent is unfulfilled cannot stand waiting. They are not interested in hearing about “long-term” projects.”
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While Chelsea have secured Palmer on a long contract until 2033, Carragher questions the wisdom of such lengthy deals for players, as circumstances can change rapidly.
The pundit further noted that Chelsea's significant spending since the takeover has not translated into Champions League qualification, putting pressure on manager Enzo Maresca.
The erstwhile defender then highlighted that despite outspending many rivals, the Blues are underachieving, a situation that has frustrated their supporters.
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“Chelsea’s problem to this point of the season is, despite their vast outlay, they are not fulfilling the ambitions of those they signed in their huge spending spree,” continued Carragher.
“Enzo Maresca must be grateful to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Because of the problems at the other members of the Big Six, Chelsea’s underachievement this season has largely gone under the radar.
“The investment at Chelsea within three years of the takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital exceeds £1 billion on 38 players. If you had said in 2022 that the club would be fighting to finish in the top five after spending so much, the conclusion would be something has gone badly wrong.”
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While recent wins have eased the tension, Carragher concluded that Maresca's team's declining form is a concern.
The 2005 Champions League winner noted that securing top-tier European football is now crucial for Chelsea to satisfy the ambitions of players like Palmer and avoid potential unrest.
“Chelsea are in must-win territory now,” continued Carragher. “Failure to play in next year’s Champions League will be a huge setback, which is why Liverpool should still feel motivated to perform this weekend.
“Chelsea have been no title threat this season. If Liverpool land a significant blow right now, that might remain the case for another year.”
Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League heading into the final four top-flight fixtures, which woug guarantee participation in next season’s Champions League.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Maresca’s men return to league action on Sunday when fresh champions Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge.
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