Home Football THE BOY: Cole Palmer makes clear his feelings on Chelsea’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo amid financial crunch and 19-year-old prodigy’s contract impasse

THE BOY: Cole Palmer makes clear his feelings on Chelsea’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo amid financial crunch and 19-year-old prodigy’s contract impasse

Football — 01/08/2025

Cole Palmer appears to support Chelsea’s interest in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

The young midfielder’s future at United is uncertain, with reports suggesting the club might be open to selling him, despite once considering him “untouchable.” The 19-year-old has yet to reach an agreement on a new contract, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.

Image

Mainoo’s current deal runs until June 2027, with an optional extra year. Initially, a new deal was anticipated to reflect his status as a first-team regular. Instead, there is now speculation of a potential transfer either this month or during the summer. Concerns over the club’s trajectory and its chances of returning to the Champions League, with United currently languishing in 13th in the Premier League, may influence his decision.

Chelsea has emerged as a frontrunner to secure Mainoo’s signature, and Palmer appears eager to see his England teammate at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea star liked an Instagram post suggesting the Blues lead the race for Mainoo’s signing. The post from TheSecretScout1 asked fans: “News today of Chelsea leading the chase for Kobbie Mainoo if he leaves Man Utd. What do we think? Would this be a good move for him?”

Image

Palmer and Mainoo already share a strong bond. After Palmer scored in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, he replicated Mainoo’s celebration, as the midfielder revealed in an interview with GQ: “I ran to the byline, told Cole to do my celebration as well – which he did. I was gassed.”

In the same interview, Palmer spoke highly of Mainoo, saying: “He knows I think he was the best player at the Euros. And obviously, what he’s doing for one of the biggest clubs in the world…” Mainoo responded with equal admiration: “It’s been crazy in his first full season for the club – to be up there in goals and assists and goal involvements. It’s massive.”

Reports suggest Mainoo isn’t the only Manchester United player with an uncertain future. Struggles on the field and financial constraints have prompted the club to consider serious offers for its squad. Once considered indispensable, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund may also be sold. Players like Mainoo and Garnacho, classified as homegrown, hold particular value under profit and sustainability rules.