LONDON / MANCHESTER — The tug-of-war for Cole Palmer has reached a new level of intensity. Despite Chelsea’s firm “not for sale” stance, a close friend of the 23-year-old playmaker has publicly vowed to bring the England international “back home” to Manchester United.
The Dubai ‘Charm Offensive’
While on holiday in Dubai, Palmer’s close friend Tunde Olayinka sparked a social media frenzy by posting a photo with the Chelsea star, accompanied by a caption that left no room for ambiguity:
“One day, I will get CP (Cole Palmer) to Utd, back home where he belongs. Go ask him who his favourite team is.”
This public “charm offensive” comes at a delicate time for Palmer. Despite his astronomical rise at Stamford Bridge, rumors of homesickness have persisted throughout early 2026. Palmer, a Wythenshawe native and lifelong United supporter, has never hidden his childhood allegiances, which INEOS is reportedly keen to exploit this summer.
Chelsea’s ‘Untouchable’ Defense
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca earlier this year, has spent most of his recent press conferences batting away these links.
- The Contract: Palmer is tied to Chelsea until 2033 on a deal worth approximately £6.7m annually.
- The Stance: Rosenior insists Palmer is “untouchable” and “very happy” in London, despite the player’s recent struggle with a recurring groin injury.
- The Player’s Response: Following a brilliant hat-trick against Wolves, Palmer himself dismissed the rumors as “rubbish,” though his body language in other interviews has kept the gossip mills churning.
The £120m Question
With Michael Carrick revitalizing United’s attack and Bruno Fernandes potentially entering his final chapter at Old Trafford, Palmer is seen by INEOS as the dream successor. Reports suggest United are prepared to table a club-record £120 million bid to test Chelsea’s resolve this summer.
For now, Palmer remains a Blue. But with his inner circle openly dreaming of a “Red Devil” future, the pressure on Chelsea to keep their talisman satisfied has never been higher.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
