Graeme Souness has described Chelsea’s decision to sign Cole Palmer as “strange”.
Chelsea signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City on deadline day and Souness has now questioned their acquisition of the 21-year-old.
In his column for the Daily Mail, the Liverpool legend wrote: “Chelsea’s decision to spend £45million on Cole Palmer, a 21-year-old with three Premier League starts, strikes me as str.ange and extremely bold.
It might all come together for Chelsea, who are spending a fortune on players of enormous potential who one day, with a big question mark attached, might be top men for them. Their supporters, like all others, want instant success. After a miserable season, they will have limited patience and won’t be slow in venting their frustration. I can see where they’re coming from.
While you can certainly debate whether Palmer was worth the amount of money Chelsea paid for him, the Blues needed to bring in a new attacking midfielder.
They lost both Mason Mount and Kai Havertz during the summer transfer window, while Christopher Nkunku is currently out injured.
More pressure on Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson
While Chelsea have spent a lot of money on Palmer, there is likely to be more pressure on Nkunku and Jackson.
They have been brought in to score goals, with the latter now the Blues’ first-choice No.9, so the spotlight will be on the two forwards.
That is not to say that Palmer is going to get a free ride, but his performances will probably not be scrutinised as much as his two team-mates’.
Not being the Chelsea signing that everyone focuses on, then, will hopefully help the England U21 international to settle in and perhaps play with some freedom and confidence.
It remains to be seen if things will work out that way and whether Palmer can live up to his price tag. But again, while Chelsea had to get their wallet out to bring him to Stamford Bridge, an attacker of his profile was certainly required. Mauricio Pochettino must be happy to have him at the club.
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