William Gallas has said it is inevitable that Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer will eventually join Manchester United. United have a long-standing interest in the England international, who has become one of the Premier League's leading players since his £40m move to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City sold Palmer in 2023 and have watched the 24-year-old develop into one of European football's biggest names. In his first season at Chelsea, he produced 27 goals and 15 assists – more goal involvements than any other player in the division.
Fitness issues and form dip
Palmer failed to match those numbers in his next two seasons because of fitness issues and a slight dip in form, though he still contributed 29 goals since his breakout campaign. Last season he was tentatively linked with a move away, with reports suggesting he was frustrated and unsettled at Chelsea. Manchester United and Manchester City were both linked, but Chelsea indicated Palmer was one of the 'untouchable' members of the squad.
Gallas, a former Premier League defender, believes it is a matter of when, not if, Palmer joins the club he supported growing up.
'I don't think Cole Palmer will go right now. I don't think it's time to go right now,' Gallas told iPredicta. 'He will definitely go to Manchester United in the future if he's a big fan, if he's got a dream to play for Man United, he will definitely go there, but right now I don't think so. 'I think he needs to have one more big season as he did two years ago, before he got his injury problem, then he might move.'
Bridge can envisage move
Former Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge also expects Palmer to end up at Manchester United. 'It probably makes sense for Cole Palmer because he's a Man United fan,' Bridge told 10bet. 'But personally, I don't know him, so I wouldn't know what he's thinking.'
'It might make sense for Manchester United – every club would love to take Cole Palmer – but it doesn't make sense for Chelsea. As an ex-Chelsea player, I'd be gutted if he went there.'
'I'd have a word with him and say, "Look, remember what happened to Mason Mount — come on now, don't go anywhere." He's the main man at Chelsea. Chelsea wants to build the team around Cole Palmer.'
State of play
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season, missing out on European football. They are expected to improve significantly under new manager Xabi Alonso, who was appointed after Liam Rosenior's sacking. Manchester United, meanwhile, climbed to third under Michael Carrick, finishing seven points behind local rivals Manchester City and 14 adrift of champions Arsenal.
Chelsea open their league campaign against Fulham, while United visit newly-promoted Hull City.
