In a candid disclosure, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer unveiled the decisive conversation held with Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, prior to his switch to Chelsea. The young midfielder departed the Premier League champions in a staggering £42.5m transfer during the summer window.

In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, the 21-year-old shed light on the ultimatum that Guardiola presented to him. Palmer initially expressed a desire for a loan spell to gain crucial first-team experience, considering his limited playing time last season. However, he was taken aback by Guardiola’s stark ultimatum, revealing, “You’re either staying or you’re getting sold.”

Palmer further expressed his initial confusion over City’s reluctance to sanction a loan move. Nevertheless, he emphasized his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I wanted to go to Chelsea and I’m glad it’s turned out the way it has.”

The revelation of behind-the-scenes pressure from Guardiola adds a compelling layer to Palmer’s transfer saga, providing insight into the challenges faced by young talents navigating the complexities of top-flight football.

This account underscores the high-stakes dynamics at play within the footballing landscape, offering a glimpse into the personal and professional considerations that influence pivotal career decisions for emerging talents in the sport.