‘Very surprised’… Frank Leboeuf stunned ‘outstanding’ 21-year-old was sold to Chelsea this summer

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Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf is surprised that Manchester City sold Cole Palmer to his former club in the summer.

Cole Palmer joined Chelsea from City in the last transfer window and has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge.

And Frank Leboeuf, speaking on ESPN FC, has now questioned Pep Guardiola’s decision to allow him to leave the Etihad.

In his first nine Premier League games for Chelsea, Palmer has scored four penalties, the most recent coming against City. His spot-kick made the game 4-4 and was praised by team-mate Raheem Sterling.

Frank Leboeuf surprised Manchester City sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea

Leboeuf is shocked that Palmer was allowed to join Chelsea during the summer.

Discussing the 21-year-old on ESPN FC, the World Cup winner said: “I’m very surprised really. I’m very surprised that Guardiola didn’t keep him. I’m very surprised.

“He knows how to get rid of players who don’t go to the standard that City is expecting, but that guy is outstanding. He’s top-notch. That’s maybe the first mistake that Guardiola makes by getting rid of a player like that.”

Manchester City had to let Cole Palmer go

Palmer was not a starter at the Etihad and wanted more game time, so City were forced to sell him in the end.

With the Premier League champions possessing so much quality throughout their squad, Guardiola could not make the attacker any promises, which is fair enough.

But without being able to give Palmer anything and with the player desiring more minutes, keeping hold of him was practically an impossible task.

Will there be some regret at City? Not yet. Again, the Citizens are not exactly short of options, while they are currently top of the Premier League table.

Palmer may have taken a couple of points off them, but his departure has not exactly killed them.

Honestly, it was probably quite a good deal for everyone. City got a good amount of money for a player who cost them nothing, Palmer is getting game time and Chelsea have acquired someone who has genuinely improved the team. All parties have kind of won here, which is quite rare.