Former Manchester United academy coach Colin Little has claimed the Red Devils came close to signing Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer as a 16-year-old. The midfielder is now one of the Premier League’s most exciting stars at the Bridge. However, he could have been on a different path, had a decision gone to plan.
Colin Little was speaking to the Talk of the Devils podcast, where he revealed the interesting tidbit about the 22-year-old. The playmaker was coming through the ranks at Manchester City at the time, but Little says there was a genuine chance of making the switch:
“I know Cole Palmer’s family quite well, I know his dad and his uncle. We (Man United) were close to getting Cole Palmer when he was about 16, believe it or not.
“He was umming and ahhing, and I knew he was a big United fan. He was at that age where you’re allowed to leave, 16 is it? They were umming and ahhing, Man City, about it.”
However, the England international opted to continue his career with the Cityzens:
“I think City, in the end, made him a good enough offer, but really he was always a United fan, and it was close, I remember speaking. I think City needed to show him a bit more love and that kind of stuff. We never quite got it over the line, but it would’ve been nice if we did, wouldn’t it?”
Palmer went on to make 41 senior appearances with City before joining Chelsea on a £40 million transfer in 2023. He has grown to become the Blues’ most influential attacking player.
Cole Palmer Has Thrived at Chelsea
Cole Palmer has been a stand-out star since his transfer to Chelsea. In his first season (2023–24), he scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists. It earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season and PFA Fans’ Player of the Year awards, among others.
The 22-year-old has continued his hot streak in the new campaign, with 14 and six assists in 28 league games. His penalty record is still perfect: 12 taken and scored, a Premier League record. Back-to-back seasons of 20+ goal contributions make him the first Chelsea player since Eden Hazard to do so.
