Cole Palmer's future at Chelsea is under scrutiny amid speculation he does not really enjoy life in London and could be tempted to head back to former club Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
Palmer tipped to join Maresca at Man City
Palmer swapped Manchester City for Chelsea in 2023, revealing afterwards an in interview with British GQ: "I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted to." He has gone on to become a vital player for the Blues, winning Conference League and Club World Cup titles with the club. However, the England international is unsettled in the capital and missing his friends back home, according to The Sun. Palmer was born in Wythenshawe and came through Manchester City's academy before signing for Chelsea. It's thought he could be tempted to head back to Manchester if Guardiola calls time on his City career in the coming months and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca replaces the Spaniard at the helm.
Maresca has already spoken to Man City
Maresca was fired by Chelsea at the start of 2026, with news subsequently emerging he had told the club on three separate occasions that he had spoken with Manchester City.The revelation followed on from speculation that Maresca was being lined up at Guardiola's replacement, amid increasing talk the City boss will wave goodbye to the club in the summer. Maresca played down such talk but didn't last much longer at Stamford Bridge as the Blues confirmed his exit on New Year's Day after 18 months in the role.
What comes next for Palmer?
Chelsea have already moved to secure Palmer's long-term future. He signed a contract extension with Chelsea in 2024 that is designed to keep him at the club until 2033. Palmer has been a talismanic presence since joining but has struggled with injury in the 2025-26 season and is still yet to consistently find his best form. However, it remains to be seen if the Blues would be willing to cash in on the star if Manchester City did came calling for their academy graduate in the summer.