Cole Palmer was Chelsea’s second choice after failed £35m transfer for PL star, and they should have no regrets

Chelsea have no regrets on settling for Cole Palmer following Michael Olise snub

Chelsea’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise hit a snag when the midfielder opted to extend his stay at Selhurst Park with a new four-year contract. This decision came as a surprise to Chelsea, who had already activated Olise’s £35 million release clause.

Frustrated by Chelsea’s approach in their pursuit of Olise, Palace considered taking the matter to a tribunal, alleging that the Blues had engaged in illegal ‘tapping up’ of their player. Additionally, it is believed that Palace secured a sell-on clause in Olise’s release agreement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

As a result of Olise’s contract extension with Palace, Chelsea shifted their focus to securing the signing of Cole Palmer, a move that has proven to be successful for the Blues. Despite the setback with Olise, Chelsea’s pursuit of talented midfielders continues as they look to strengthen their squad for the future.

How’s signing Palmer working out for Chelsea?

After the unsuccessful bid for Olise, Chelsea turned their attention to former Manchester City prospect Cole Palmer, securing his services for a fee of £42.5 million. The 21-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of Chelsea’s success stories this season, despite the challenges the club has faced.

Palmer’s journey began in the Manchester City academy, where he progressed through the ranks before making his mark in the senior team. His talent was evident during the 2019–20 season when he played a crucial role in City’s Under-18 squad, contributing a goal in the FA Youth Cup final victory over Chelsea. By the 2022–23 season, Palmer had made 25 appearances for City’s first team, claiming silverware in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

Despite the higher price tag compared to Olise, Palmer has proven to be a valuable addition to Chelsea’s squad. In a challenging season for the Blues, Palmer has showcased his talent, contributing 23 goals and 13 assists in just 41 appearances. His performances have justified Chelsea’s investment and provided a bright spot amidst the team’s difficulties.

In a captivating Premier League encounter against Manchester United, Chelsea emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-3 win, with Cole Palmer stealing the show with a remarkable hat-trick. His two stoppage-time goals secured a memorable victory for the Blues, delighting Chelsea fans and affirming Palmer’s importance to the team.

Despite Chelsea’s struggles and inconsistencies throughout the 2023–24 season, Palmer has been a consistent source of excellence and positivity at Stamford Bridge. His standout performances have provided a glimmer of hope amidst the club’s challenges, earning him admiration and praise from supporters and pundits alike.

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Palmer’s impact on the pitch underscores the significance of his acquisition by Chelsea, with his talent and determination shining through in crucial moments. As Chelsea navigates through a period of transition and uncertainty, having to settle for a second choice transfer target does not appear too bad.