Liam Rosenior says Cole Palmer ‘very happy’ at Chelsea amid talk of move
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Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior applauding the fans after the Blues' 1-0 Champions League win over Pafos at Stamford Bridge on Jan 21.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has poured cold water on reports linking Cole Palmer with a move away from the English Premier League club, saying that the attacking midfielder was “very happy” at Stamford Bridge.
The England international has scored 48 goals for the Blues in all competitions since joining in 2023 and was key to their Club World Cup campaign in 2025, when they won the title in the US.
However, his game time has been restricted 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, very happy to be here,” Rosenior said to reporters before their Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Jan 25.
“He’s a huge part of our plans in the long term. He’s an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their careers in terms of injury. I don’t think it’s any reflection on his qualities.
“He’s an outstanding footballer. My job and the club’s job is to get him in a place where he can consistently perform at the level that he wants to.”
Palmer scored from the penalty spot in Chelsea’s 2-0 league win over Brentford on Jan 17, but his celebrations were muted as he cut a frustrated figure.
He then missed the team’s 1-0 win over Cypriot side Pafos in the Champions League
“He was in pain. He couldn’t perform to the level he wanted to do for the club. He’s a great kid, and he’s an outstanding player,” Rosenior added.
“But we have to make sure that we look after him in the right way. That’s why I haven’t involved him in the last game... Cole’s in a good place. He’s joined training today (on Jan 23), which is really positive, and we’ll assess his reaction to training.”
Chelsea, sixth in the Premier League standings ahead of the fixtures on Jan 24, next take on a Palace side who have fallen to 13th after a seven-match winless run.
Palace have also lost defender Marc Guehi, their former captain, to Manchester City
Asked if it was a good time to face them, Rosenior said: “I think it can be reported in that way. What I do know is they’re an outstanding team. Selhurst Park is, for me, one of the most difficult places to go in the Premier League.
“You have to be ready for a physical battle. The atmosphere in the stadium is going to be red-hot. So we’re not taking the game lightly at all.”
This will be Rosenior’s fifth match in charge in all competitions since he was appointed to replace the sacked Enzo Maresca earlier in January. He has overseen three wins and one defeat.
“Loads in terms of individual performances (that I have learnt), the improvements I have asked for – there have been very positive signs,” he said.
“There are loads of lessons for me and my staff to learn. I’m loving it.” REUTERS, AFP
