Cole Palmer’s name is once again being linked with Europe’s elite clubs following his eye-catching rise since joining Chelsea. The England international playmaker has reportedly attracted attention from La Liga giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, thanks to his rapid development and match-winning influence at Stamford Bridge.
However, alongside the growing spotlight, a clear warning has emerged. Many believe Palmer is still in the early stages of his career and that a major move away from west London could come too soon.
That message has been delivered by Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf, who feels Palmer should resist long-term temptations for now and fully capitalize on the opportunities he already has at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer’s Rapid Rise at Chelsea
Cole Palmer’s career trajectory has taken a sharp upward turn since leaving Manchester City in 2023. Despite winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League with City, Palmer was never a guaranteed starter under Pep Guardiola.
His debut season at Chelsea proved to be a defining moment. Palmer scored an impressive 25 goals, earned his senior debut with the England national team, and was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year. His reputation continued to grow in 2025, when he helped Chelsea lift the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
That said, the following campaign was more challenging. Palmer experienced a dip in form and struggled with injuries during the 2025–26 season, reminding many that consistency over time remains a key test for any young star.
Regular Playing Time Is the Priority
Frank Leboeuf believes talk of a potential move to Real Madrid must be approached with caution. He questioned where Palmer would fit in a squad already stacked with world-class talent.
“If you are Cole Palmer, do you really want to play for Real Madrid? Where would you play?” Leboeuf said. “There’s Jude Bellingham and many other top players. You have to make the right choice. You have to think twice.”
Leboeuf stressed that consistent game time should matter more than the prestige of a club name. “Yes, everyone wants to play for the best club in the world, and maybe Real Madrid is that club. But you want to play football. You don’t want to sit on the bench. That wouldn’t make sense.”
Thriving at Chelsea Is Still the Best Path
The former France international also highlighted how short Palmer’s top-level journey has been so far. In his view, growing expectations should not push the young midfielder into rushing major career decisions.
“Cole Palmer has only had a top-level career for about two years,” Leboeuf explained. “Manchester City didn’t want to keep him, and suddenly he became a huge surprise—a fantastic player. But slow down. He plays for Chelsea Football Club, and he can achieve great things there.”
Leboeuf even drew parallels with his own career choices. “I remember being at Chelsea in 1999 when Real Madrid contacted me. I stayed. I loved the club, the football was good, and the supporters were amazing. So why should I leave? These are decisions you really have to think carefully about.”
He also suggested that Real Madrid’s appeal is not as unquestionable as it once was. “Maybe in terms of fame, people think it’s better to go to Real Madrid. But I’m not even sure anymore,” Leboeuf added. “What we see from Real Madrid right now, they are not the best at this moment. They are more about history than their current situation.”
For now, Palmer’s development, regular minutes, and leadership role at Chelsea may offer a clearer path to long-term success than an early leap to Europe’s most demanding stage.
ALSO READ :
