Chelsea fans are displeased! Cole Palmer's close friend fans the flames of rumors linking the star to Manchester United.
On 20 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Cole Palmer, Chelsea's key winger, became a hot topic again after his close friend announced on social media that one day he would take Palmer to play for Manchester United, the club Palmer has supported since childhood.
The story began with “Tunde,” a Manchester-based rapper who has been close to Palmer since childhood and recently vacationed with him in Dubai during a Chelsea midweek break. Tunde posted a photo together on Instagram with the striking caption: “One day, I will take CP (Cole Palmer) back to United, where he belongs. Ask him yourself which team is his favorite.”
He also posted another message saying “Bro from early,” highlighting their lifelong close relationship.
Additionally, Tunde stated that the chance of Palmer transferring to Manchester United is “very high!”
This post seemed to fuel rumors that Cole Palmer misses home and wants to live near his family in his hometown of Withington, Manchester, which has intensified the speculation linking him to Old Trafford.
However, Palmer has previously directly denied transfer rumors in an interview with Match of the Day, saying, “Everyone likes to talk nonsense. I don’t really pay much attention to it.”
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior also firmly confirmed that Palmer is happy at the club and has no plans to leave Stamford Bridge.
Palmer, the 23-year-old England international who grew up in Withington, has been a “Red Devils” fan since childhood. He rose through Manchester City's youth ranks and is now a key player for Chelsea, holding a contract until 2033, with 52 goals in 115 appearances across all competitions.
Despite Chelsea's efforts to quash the rumors, some insiders and former players still see Palmer as Manchester United's “dream target,” especially for their long-term plans if the team qualifies for the Champions League.
However, with a long contract until 2033, Chelsea holds a strong bargaining position and is unlikely to let their key player go easily.
Next, Chelsea will host Burnley this Saturday, with the "Blues" sitting fifth in the league, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United.