“It’s a disgrace how they treated Enzo Maresca afternoon winning the Club World Cup… now I see no future for myself here” – Cole Palmer has reportedly told Todd Boehly he wants to LEAVE Chelsea this January to Join Manchester United

Speculation is mounting around a potential Manchester United move for Cole Palmer, and while the structure of his Chelsea contract suggests a transfer isn’t impossible, it would be far from easy to pull off.

Palmer’s childhood allegiance to United has naturally sparked hope among the Old Trafford faithful that he might one day wear the famous red shirt.

This week’s reports suggesting Palmer is growing restless at Chelsea have only intensified talk of a possible 2026 move to Manchester.

With United likely to need a long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes before too long, Palmer represents exactly the kind of creative talent they’d be looking to recruit.

However, as one of the Premier League’s standout performers, any deal for Palmer would command a hefty transfer fee.

Palmer’s Chelsea contract situation

If United are serious about landing Palmer, they’ll need to table an offer substantial enough to tempt Chelsea, who currently hold all the leverage.

Palmer is locked into an exceptionally long contract after extending his deal in 2024, which keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

This gives Chelsea little incentive to negotiate unless Palmer himself agitates for a move and makes his intentions clear.

The club has employed this tactic with several players, using extended contracts to spread their financial commitments across multiple years.

Palmer currently earns around £130,000 per week according to Metro, with performance-related bonuses that could significantly increase his overall package.

United’s wage structure under new ownership

Since Ineos took control, Manchester United have been carefully rebalancing their wage bill.

The club has offloaded several high earners and resisted the temptation to hand out extravagant contracts to incoming players.

That said, Palmer would be a more marquee signing than anyone Ineos has brought in thus far, so offering him more than his current £130,000 weekly wage shouldn’t present a problem.

At present, Casemiro tops United’s pay scale at £350,000 per week, with Bruno Fernandes just behind on £300,000.

Beyond the financial package, Palmer’s boyhood affection for Manchester United could prove influential in drawing him to Old Trafford should the opportunity arise.