Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has claimed Cole Palmer will “definitely” join Manchester United in the future, although he does not expect the Blues star to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Gallas believes Palmer should first produce another major season for Chelsea before considering a move to his boyhood club.
Palmer grew up supporting United despite spending much of his youth career with Manchester City. He eventually left City for Chelsea in a £42.5million deal in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the most important players at Stamford Bridge.
“I don’t think Cole Palmer will go right now,” Gallas told iPredicta. However, the former Chelsea defender believes Palmer could eventually pursue a move to Old Trafford if playing for United remains a personal ambition.
Cole Palmer Chelsea future questioned by Gallas
Gallas believes Palmer needs to rediscover his best form before thinking about leaving Chelsea. He suggested another season similar to his outstanding early campaigns in west London could then put the England international in a position to consider his future.
There is currently no evidence that Chelsea are negotiating Palmer’s departure or that Manchester United have made an approach. Gallas’ comments are therefore a prediction rather than a fresh transfer development.
Palmer’s United connection has nevertheless attracted attention again this summer. Former Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos revealed that Palmer contacted him after completing his £50million move to Old Trafford, wishing his former team-mate well and referencing his knowledge of Manchester.
Chelsea, meanwhile, continue reshaping Xabi Alonso’s squad around Palmer. ReadChelsea’s latest summer transfer roundup details the significant changes already made, with Morgan Rogers among the new arrivals expected to complement Palmer in attack.
That makes any immediate departure particularly difficult to envisage. Palmer remains central to Chelsea’s plans, and even Gallas stressed that he does not believe now is the right time for him to leave.
For now, the Manchester United suggestion remains hypothetical. Gallas simply believes another huge season could eventually bring Palmer’s childhood allegiance back into the conversation.
