Paul Merson has boldly predicted that Cole Palmer will find it challenging to match his ‘unbelievable’ form from the previous season, as his card is now marked.
Palmer had an outstanding debut season at Stamford Bridge in 2023/24, netting 25 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions.
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Chelsea’s management, clearly impressed, decided to offer their star a new nine-year contract with better terms, even though he still had seven years remaining on his previous contract.
In the upcoming season, the attacking midfielder will be expected to perform again, with Chelsea set to face Palmer’s former club Manchester City on Sunday.
However, Merson is skeptical about the 22-year-old’s ability to meet expectations, suggesting that rival teams will now be focused on neutralizing Palmer’s impact.
‘He’s had an unbelievable season and he is a good player but this season every [opposition] team talk is going to be “Stop Cole Palmer playing”,’ the Arsenal legend remarked on Sky Sports.
‘He’s got that now the whole time. And now you’re giving him a nine-year contract?
‘I’m not sure [he will score 15 goals]. Last season he was unreal. This season he is marked.
‘We’ve seen it a million times, like with [Emmanuel] Adebayor. He excelled at Arsenal, got a new contract, and was then marked.
‘It’s going to be tough. If he scores 15 goals next season, I’ll be impressed. 15 goals is a lot.’
Merson also criticized Chelsea’s approach to long-term contracts, a policy that has become more common since Todd Boehly’s takeover.
‘It can’t be a better deal for the club. They don’t know what they’re doing,’ he added.
‘I’m not being harsh, but how can you predict what he [Palmer] will be like in nine years?
‘I like him, but they’re handing out six, seven, and eight-year contracts. Some players don’t even play or get into the team. That’s part of why Conor Gallagher is leaving; he was only offered a two-year deal.
‘Look at [Joao] Cancelo; he was outstanding at Man City three years ago, but a year later he was gone.
‘You can’t forecast what these players will be like in six or seven years.’