Cole Palmer has established himself as a Chelsea superstar – but he could have thrived at another team instead.
The 22-year-old was part of Manchester City’s treble-winning squad last season but only made 25 appearances.
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Goals in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup for the Citizens caught the attention of the Blues, who signed him in a deal worth £40 million.
And ahead of his side’s home game against Chelsea on Wednesday evening – live on The Pitch Prospect 2 – Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed the Seagulls are vying for his signature.
In his pre-match press conference, the Italian said: “We tried to put him on the transfer market last summer.”
“Palmer’s qualities are clear to everyone, but not when he played for Manchester City.”
“He’s playing very well this season, he’s scoring a lot of goals.”
De Zerbi warned his players about the versatile attacking midfielder’s abilities, adding: “Palmer’s quality is very high.”
“He’s a problem for us tomorrow because he can start on the winger position and come inside or outside [play as] also a number ten.
Since his move to west London, which earned him a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award, Palmer has performed nothing short of sensational.
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In an impressive season so far, Palmer has scored 21 goals and ten assists in 32 top-flight games.
Only City goalscorer Erling Haaland has scored more goals than Palmer in the division this season. Palmer is the first Chelsea player in Premier League history to reach double figures in goals and assists in the inaugural season.
Due to his form, he was described as one of the “best” players in the world by Blues captain Reece James.
Meanwhile, Graeme Souness Palmer has hinted that he will play a big role in the upcoming European Championships in Germany under Gareth Southgate.