Cole Palmer has rapidly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents since his move to Chelsea in the summer of 2023. However, his career could have taken a completely different path had he joined Manchester United as a youngster. According to former United academy coach Colin Little, the club was on the verge of signing Palmer when he was 16, but the deal never materialized.
Having risen through Manchester City’s youth system, Palmer honed his skills in a highly competitive environment but found first-team opportunities limited under Pep Guardiola. As a result, Chelsea seized the chance to sign him for £40 million—a move that has proven to be a masterstroke for both the club and the player. Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, he has been nothing short of sensational, tallying 39 goals and 22 assists in 78 appearances. This season alone, he has racked up 14 goals and seven assists in 28 Premier League games.
Despite his remarkable rise at Chelsea, Palmer’s journey could have been very different. Colin Little recently revealed that Manchester United was incredibly close to bringing him to Old Trafford when he was still a teenager. The discussions were serious, and Palmer, a known United fan, was genuinely considering making the switch. At the time, he was at an age where he could have left City’s academy, and United saw a real opportunity to snap him up.
Little, who knew Palmer’s family well, recalled how uncertain City was about his future at the time. Palmer hesitated, torn between his admiration for United and his existing place at City. However, just when United seemed poised to secure his signature, City stepped in with an offer that convinced him to stay. That decision kept him in their system for a few more years, though he eventually left in search of regular game time—landing at Chelsea instead.
Had Palmer joined United at 16, his career might have unfolded in a completely different manner. There’s no certainty he would have developed into the player he is today, as his growth was shaped by the specific challenges he faced at City before making the switch to Chelsea. Now, he has become a key figure for the Blues, while United can only look back and wonder what might have been.
As Chelsea prepares for a crucial showdown against Tottenham Hotspur, Palmer’s return to training comes as a significant boost for manager Enzo Maresca. Missing both Chelsea’s recent clash with Arsenal and England’s international fixtures, his return could be a game-changer for the team.
It’s intriguing to think about how close United was to securing Palmer’s signature, especially given their current attacking struggles. With his creativity, vision, and finishing ability, he could have been a major asset for them. Instead, City held onto him, only for Chelsea to ultimately reap the rewards. In football, moments like these shape the future of clubs and players alike—leaving United fans to wonder about what might have been.
