Cole Palmer is undoubtedly going through the most delicate period of his career at Chelsea. Long hampered by injuries at the start of the season, the English attacking midfielder gradually returned to the group, but his return coincides with the collective collapse of the Blues, now stuck in a dark series and recently separated from their coach Liam Rosenior. For several weeks, the London team has stopped taking off, has had a series of poor performances and has even fallen into a worrying dynamic: with five consecutive defeats without scoring a single goal in the Premier League…
On an individual level, the figures are just as worrying. Palmer has neither scored nor provided an assist in his last 8 club games, his last contribution dating back to a goal against Aston Villa on March 4. Even during the big 7-0 success against Port Vale in the FA Cup, where he was a starter and captain, he did not find the net, while Chelsea played easily, as if he were not concerned… This ineffectiveness fuels the frustration of supporters, who criticize him for decision-making that is too slow, a game that is sometimes too individualistic and an impact much lower than that which he had displayed during his first two seasons. This Sunday, against Leeds in the FA Cup (1-0), he was a substitute and came on at the end of the match, without managing to impact the match or make a real impact on his team.
A dynamic in free fall
The contrast with his previous performance is striking. After a sparkling first season with 25 goals and 15 assists in 2023-2024, then a second season that was still very solid with 18 goals and 13 assists, Palmer this time only has 10 goals and 3 assists in 29 matches, including a significant portion from the penalty spot. His case also crystallizes the doubts around Chelsea, which is fighting to save a season that has become chaotic and which now sees its European qualification slipping away, currently 8th in the league. In this context, his future has started to be speculated, although he has recently reiterated that he has no intention of leaving the club this summer.
Indeed, Cole Palmer wanted to put an end to rumors surrounding his future in an interview with Guardian. “Everyone is just talking… when I see that, I laugh”he says, before talking about Manchester, his hometown, where his family still lives, without considering a return. Under contract with Chelsea until 2033, the attacking midfielder is categorical: “I have no intention of leaving Chelsea”. Cole Palmer knows he must quickly set the record straight, with his sights set on an FA Cup which now represents the last major objective of the season for Chelsea. The Blues are already set: they will meet Manchester City in the final, after the Citizens’ victory against Southampton. A necessarily special poster for the Englishman, who will face his former club. Chelsea will absolutely have to save their bad season with a title. In this context, Cole Palmer is expected to lead his team.
At the same time, his situation in selection with England is becoming equally worrying. Under Thomas Tuchel, Palmer has not yet completely convinced, and the former coach has clearly demanded more efficiency from offensive profiles, particularly when Harry Kane is absent. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the danger is real: if he does not quickly regain his best level, Palmer could simply see the competition slip away from him, like Phil Foden at City. Clearly, he must raise his level of play immediately if he wants to remain in England’s plans. Response in the coming weeks.
