Manager dismisses transfer rumors as noise, eyes injured playmaker’s return for crucial Champions League clash in Naples.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has forcefully shut down speculation linking star playmaker Cole Palmer with a move to Manchester United, labeling the idea “so unrealistic” and insisting the player is content at Stamford Bridge.
Reports had suggested Palmer, a Manchester native who grew up supporting United, might be interested in a return to the north. Rosenior, however, attributed the timing of the rumors to attempts to unsettle the squad after his recent appointment.
“I’m not surprised,” Rosenior stated ahead of Chelsea’s pivotal Champions League trip to Napoli. “A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there’s people looking to unsettle. It’s not true. Cole’s here, he’s very happy, and I can’t wait to see him on the pitch.”
When asked if Palmer remained both “untouchable” and happy at the club, Rosenior offered a blunt, “Yes and yes. It’s simple.”
He dismissed any need to give Palmer assurances about his future, adding, “It’s come from nowhere, there’s nothing in it. There’s no reason to have the conversation.”
The news comes as a boost for Chelsea, with Palmer included in the squad for Wednesday’s match after missing the last two games with a groin injury. His return is keenly anticipated, as his influence this season has been curtailed by fitness issues, contributing five goals in 13 appearances.
The fixture in Naples carries high stakes for the Blues, who sit eighth in the Champions League table and likely need a victory to secure direct qualification for the knockout stages. They face a Napoli side managed by former Chelsea title-winner Antonio Conte, though the Italian champions have struggled this season.
“The results haven’t followed the performances that Antonio’s team have given,” Rosenior noted, acknowledging a tough challenge awaits. “We know it’s going to be a very difficult game in a very special atmosphere.”
Rosenior, who has enjoyed a strong start with four wins in his first five matches, will be hoping a fit-again Palmer can help Chelsea navigate that atmosphere and keep their European campaign on track.
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