Chelsea’s star player, Cole Palmer, is being linked with a sensational transfer to Manchester United and a 2014 switch could give United supporters hope that the deal might come to fruition. It’s well-known that Palmer has been a lifelong United fan, a fact that could become crucial if negotiations for a transfer start to take shape.

Recent reports suggest that the England international is contemplating his future at Stamford Bridge and despite a recent injury and a dip in form, Palmer remains one of the Premier League’s top talents. After netting a hat-trick against United at Stamford Bridge in April 2024, he openly discussed his loyalty to the club.

“Yeah, when I was growing up, I was a United fan,” he confessed to TNT Sports. “I just think to try and do the same thing. I’ve scored away [from home] and a few here today, so I’m buzzing. I just try and take each game as it comes and show the Chelsea fans and everyone what I came here to do, and that is just play football.”

Twelve years ago, another United supporter, Juan Mata, was playing for Chelsea. The Spanish midfielder, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and impressed at Valencia alongside David Villa and David Silva, secured a move to the Premier League with Chelsea in 2011.

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Despite clinching the Player of the Year title in his first two seasons, he struggled to secure a regular spot in his third season. Even though he was content at the club, an offer from Manchester United was too tempting to resist.

“The summer before, there was some interest [from United],” the then-31-year-old revealed during a previous appearance on the UTD Podcast. “No [I wouldn’t leave then]. I wanted to see what the challenge was and there was never really anything else other than interest. There was not an offer, so I didn’t have the real opportunity.”

He elaborated: “When Manchester United called and they said ‘We’re going to go for you and make an offer to Chelsea, we want you to come’, I spoke with them. I really wanted to go and really wanted to feel what it is to be a Manchester United player. I had suffered playing against United with Chelsea and they are definitely one of the biggest clubs in the world. At that moment, they were struggling with the first season of [David] Moyes and were not doing great in the league, but that doesn’t matter. I wanted to come to be a player for this club.”

Upon his departure from the club in 2022, he took to social media to express his gratitude: “Sometimes reality exceeds dreams. Thank you, Manchester United.”

United would’ve been aware of Mata’s admiration for the club from the onset of negotiations, making the transition to his dream club a seamless process. Now, with Palmer, United could attempt to leverage those same connections and bring him to Old Trafford. The Sun reports that Palmer is unsettled in London and a move back to the north could be on the horizon, although a return to City has been ruled out.

At 23, Palmer represents the calibre of player United could construct their side around. He operates as a creative force in the number 10 position and serves as the engine of Chelsea’s attack when selected. Should Bruno Fernandes depart the club this summer, Palmer would be a prime candidate to spearhead the team’s progression in the coming years.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League fixture against Napoli on Wednesday, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior once again responded to speculation linking Palmer with United.

Asked if Palmer was “untouchable” and “happy”, he said: “Yes and yes. It’s simple: Cole’s an incredible player like [Moises Caicedo] sitting next to me and many players in the group. I’m not surprised at the timing (of the rumours).

“A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there’s people are (looking to) unsettle. It’s not true. Cole’s here, he’s very happy and I can’t wait to see him on the pitch. There’s no reason for an assurance (from Chelsea’s directors). It’s so unrealistic. It’s come from nowhere, there’s nothing in it. There’s no reason to have the conversation, that’s where I’m at.

“Cole is very happy. We’ve had numerous conversations with him on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him – because he loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player. You can’t stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth, there’s not point having any discussion about it.”