🧵 City Fans: Here’s What Cole Palmer Has Revealed About His Exit and Pep’s Transfer Talks
Cole Palmer has shared fresh insights about his departure from Manchester City in 2023 after a released transfer to Chelsea. His comments shed new light on the conversations he had with Pep Guardiola, his own ambitions for more playing time, and his undiminished affection for City.
🎙️ A Player Who Never Wanted to Leave
Palmer, a City academy graduate, has insisted he never wanted to leave permanently. He explains that his original intention was to go on loan for a year, prove himself, and then return ready for first‑team action at the Etihad. But City chose not to entertain the loan option. As Palmer told the Daily Mail, “I said I would go on loan and play for a year… but then Pep said ‘you’re either staying or you’re getting sold’ – so yeah, I just got sold.”
⚽ Pep’s Regret and Responsibility
Pep Guardiola has publicly acknowledged that Palmer’s move was, in part, his decision — or at least a consequence of his choices. He admitted it was his responsibility for not giving the player enough minutes—citing competition from players like Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Phil Foden. Guardiola said: “If Palmer had the minutes I gave to Phil from the beginning, Cole Palmer would be here—but I didn’t give them to him.”
He also explained that Palmer had been requesting regular game time for two seasons: “He was asking for two seasons to leave… I said: stay. He wanted to leave. What can we do?
💭 Why He Wanted Chelsea
Frustration over lack of minutes—especially compared to players in England youth camps who were playing regularly—prompted Palmer to seek pastures new. “I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted to… When you’re not playing, it’s annoying.” Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino gave him the freedom to flourish, and Palmer quickly became a star.
🔁 Manchester City Want Him Back?
There are recent reports suggesting that Pep and City are keen to re-sign Palmer—potentially with a record-breaking £125 million bid. However, Chelsea reportedly have no reason to sell, with no buy-back clause included in the original deal, and Palmer tied down until 2033.
💙 Final Thought for City Fans
City supporters can take comfort in knowing that Palmer didn’t leave because he disliked the club. Rather, he left for a chance to play consistently—and Pep, in retrospect, admits he couldn’t offer that. Now thriving at Chelsea, Palmer remains fond of City and even occasionally surprises them—most memorably with his stoppage-time penalty to earn a point in a 4–4 draw.
Though he may have left, it’s clear Palmer’s heart still has a home at Manchester City.
