Manchester City didn’t make a mistake selling Cole Palmer the move was best for both parties

Following his 4 goal performance for Chelsea in their 6-nil win over Everton last night, the consensus has been that Manchester City made a mistake by selling Cole Palmer. Palmer has starred for Chelsea this season and is the joint top scorer in the Premier League alongside Erling Haaland with 20 goals. But Palmer’s move to Chelsea was the best move for both parties and not a mistake on Manchester City’s part.

It was clear at the start of the season that Cole Palmer wasn’t going to be a first team regular for the world champions. Players such as Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and new arrival Jeremy Doku appeared ahead of Palmer in Pep Guardiola’s plans. The emergence of Oscar Bobb also contrived to see Palmer’s path to more first team minutes impeded.

Faced with the prospect of not getting the first team opportunities he desired, Cole Palmer had a choice to make. Ultimately, he decided to depart Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer. It has proven the correct choice for the England international. He has thrived with more responsibility at Chelsea. In 41 appearances in all competitions for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, he has scored 25 goals and added 13 assists. The talent that was evident as he rose through the Manchester City academy ranks has been evident all season.

But if Cole Palmer had stayed at Manchester City, would he have had the same opportunities? That’s debatable given who would’ve stood in his way to find a permanent role in Pep Guardiola’s lineup. He was always highly regarded at the European champions, but a move was best for both parties.

Manchester City didn’t make a mistake selling Cole Palmer. They received a sizable transfer fee for the academy graduate, and Palmer has starred for Chelsea. It is a rare case of a transfer working out for the best for both parties. Cole Palmer’s rapid development and performances have rightfully been lauded this season. But it may not have happened at all if he stayed at Manchester City.