Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior poured cold water on reports linking Cole Palmer with a move away from the Premier League club, saying on Friday that the attacking midfielder was «very happy» at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer has scored 48 goals for Chelsea in all competitions since joining the club in 2023 and was key to last year’s Club World Cup winning campaign.
However, his playing time has been limited this season due to a persistent groin injury and a broken toe, with British media reporting this week that the 23-year-old was unsettled and open to a move.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole, and he seems very happy to be here,” Rosenior told reporters ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
«He is a big part of our long-term plans. He is an excellent player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their career when it comes to injuries. I don’t think this is a reflection of his qualities.»
«He is an excellent footballer. But it is my job and that of the club to get him to a place where he can perform consistently at the level he wants.»
READ | Chelsea beat Brentford 2-0 in manager Liam Rosenior’s Premier League debut
Palmer scored from the penalty spot in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Brentford on Saturday but his celebrations were muted as he cut a frustrated figure.
He then missed Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Cypriot side Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday.
«He was in pain. He couldn’t perform at the level he wanted for the club. He’s a great kid, and he’s an excellent player,» Rosenior said.
«But we have to make sure we look after him in the right way. That’s why I didn’t include him in the last game… Cole is in a good place. He joined training today, which is very positive, and we will assess his response to training.»
Chelsea, sixth in the standings, will next take on a Palace side who have dropped to thirteenth after a seven-match winless run.
Palace have also lost defender Marc Guehi, the former captain, to Manchester City, and manager Oliver Glasner announced last week that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
Asked if it was a good time to face them, Rosenior said: «I think it can be reported that way. What I do know is that they are an excellent team. Selhurst Park is one of the hardest places for me to go to in the Premier League.»
«You have to be ready for a physical battle. The atmosphere in the stadium will be red hot. So we are not taking the match lightly at all.»
Published on January 23, 2026
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