Sam Allardyce admits he was shocked when Cole Palmer left Manchester City last summer and signed for Chelsea.
Cole Palmer, who spent his childhood developing in the Man City academy, completed a £40million transfer (Sky Sports) to Chelsea a few months ago.
Now, the 21-year-old attacker is starting games on a regular basis in the Premier League.
It’s very difficult for anyone to break into the XI at the Etihad Stadium, but the left-footed playmaker already looks like a talisman at Stamford Bridge.
Shock deal
Sam Allardyce couldn’t believe that Palmer actually left Man City to join Chelsea.
When discussing Palmer on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce said: “I was surprised that Pep sold him personally. Such a young age and such a talent.
“They have even given him the responsibility of penalties. That shows you how confident the lad is and can only get better.
“But, of course, he has probably looked at the situation and said, ‘It’s going to be a while before I can consider him for my team with what I have got, and we will cash in on for what was £30million or £40million’. He has probably got a buyback clause maybe, you know, just in case.
“It’s not often they let somebody, I think, that good leave, and he appears to be that good.”
Integral Cole Palmer
Speaking via ESPN this week, Janusz Michallik described Palmer as a “focal point” in this Chelsea team already. We’ve got to agree with him, too!
It’s been remarkable to watch how quickly the young English talent has forced his way into the Blues side.
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino is slowly starting to get more out of his team in an attacking sense, with Palmer a chief creator with his vision and quality in the final third.
He’s scored three goals and made four assists in his first 10 appearances for the club.
Next, there’s a fascinating league fixture at home to Man City this Sunday afternoon.
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