Cole Palmer has established himself as a Chelsea superstar – but he could have been thriving at another team instead instead.
The 22-year-old was part of Manchester City’s treble-winning squad last season, but was limited to just 25 appearances.
Goals in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup for the Citizens caught the eye of the Blues, who snapped him up in a deal worth £40million.
And speaking ahead of his side’s home clash against Chelsea on Wednesday night – live on talkSPORT 2 – Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has revealed the Seagulls were vying to secure his signature.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Italian said: “We tried to bring him in the transfer market last summer.
“The qualities of Palmer are clear for everybody, but not when he played for Manchester City.
“This season he is playing very well, he is scoring a lot of goals.”
Warning his players of the versatile attacking midfielder’s abilities, De Zerbi added: “The quality of Palmer is very high.
“He’s a problem for us tomorrow because he can start in the winger position and come inside or [play as] a number ten as well.”
Palmer has been nothing short of sensational since making the move to west London, which has seen him nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
A stunning season so far has seen Palmer chip in with 21 goals and ten assists in 32 top-flight matches.
Only City marksman Erling Haaland has scored more in the division than Palmer this term. Palmer has become the first Chelsea player in Premier League history to hit double digits for goals and assists in their opening campaign.
His form has seen him labelled as one of the world’s ‘best’ players by Blues skipper Reece James.
Meanwhile Graeme Souness has tipped Palmer to play a big role under Gareth Southgate at the upcoming European Championship in Germany.
News Summary:
- Roberto De Zerbi confirms Brighton tried to sign Cole Palmer from Man City before Chelsea swooped in
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.