Chelsea head coach addresses Cole Palmer 'home sick ' claim amid Man United links

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has dismissed reports claiming that their star midfielder Cole Palmer sought an exit from Stamford Bridge for a return to Manchester, as he is homesick. 

Reports in the English media in the last week claimed that Palmer is becoming homesick in London and is considering a future return to Manchester, either with Manchester City or Manchester United.

Palmer, born in Wythenshawe, Manchester, spent 13 years in Manchester City’s academy and first-team setup, having joined at the under-8 level in 2010, and is a lifelong Manchester United supporter despite coming through City’s ranks. 

The rumours suggested that Palmer’s emotional ties to home could tempt him into seeking an exit from Chelsea in the medium term, despite having signed a seven-year contract with an option for a further year until 2033 after his £42.5 million move from City on September 2023.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, however, firmly dismissed the speculation, insisting that Palmer is fully committed to the club and thriving in London.

“Cole and he seems, and is, very, very happy to be here,” Liam said. “He is a huge part of our long‑term plans, he's an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their career with injuries, but that is no indication of his quality.”

Since joining Chelsea, Palmer has developed into the club’s talisman, scoring 38 goals and providing 21 assists in 63 appearances across all competitions, including 24 goals and 13 assists in the 2023/24 season, which earned him Chelsea’s Player of the Season award and a place in the PFA Team of the Year.