Cole Palmer has expressed support for a Chelsea newcomer to bounce back after a much-anticipated Premier League comeback.
Since Todd Boehly’s acquisition of Chelsea in May 2022, the club has invested over £1 billion in fresh talent, introducing nearly 30 new faces to Stamford Bridge.
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A few, including ex-Manchester City standout Palmer, have made their mark, yet the bulk have fallen short of expectations or turned out to be costly missteps.
Romeo Lavia, a recent addition who has only played once for Chelsea since his £53 million transfer from Southampton last season, is one such player.
Despite Southampton’s drop from the top flight in the 2022-23 season, Lavia earned a remarkable seven-year deal with Chelsea due to his performances.
Liverpool had also pursued the Belgian midfielder with several bids, but Lavia’s recurring injuries this season, particularly a thigh issue that has kept him out since December, might mean Liverpool avoided a misfortune.
Nevertheless, Palmer is optimistic that once Lavia is back in full health, he will be able to redeem his Chelsea tenure and prove his £53 million valuation was warranted.
‘One person I’ve played with [who is good] is Romeo Lavia,’ the Premier League young player of the season told SPORTbible.
‘We’ve not seen him this season because he’s been injured for a full year but I think he’s one that, when he gets playing everyone will think, “Oh, he’s really good”.’
Though some of Chelsea’s acquisitions might have left the club’s hierarchy with second thoughts, the decision to sign Palmer for £40m has proven to be a shrewd move.
The young 22-year-old has had an outstanding debut season with Chelsea, netting 22 goals and providing 11 assists in the Premier League, thereby staking a strong claim for inclusion in England’s squad for Euro 2024.
‘I want to go to the Euros and be a part of the squad,’ Palmer said. ‘I would not have imagined [being in the running this time last year].
‘You’re sat there with all the other lads and a manager saying, “The aim will be to get to the senior squad”. But you’re looking at the senior squad thinking, “Oh, there are so many players [ahead of me]”.
‘I never doubted my ability, but there were a lot of factors that have contributed to [being in contention for the plane]. So I have surprised myself.’
Despite Palmer’s immense contribution, Chelsea endured a mixed campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, languishing in mid-table for most of the season before a late run saw them finish sixth and qualify for Europe.
‘People saying we were not playing for the club,’ Palmer added on the season just gone. ‘Claims that “no one cares” were probably the hardest moments [last season].
‘It’s not nice, but you know yourself if you’re trying or not so we just needed to stick together as we did. The results in the past few games showed we were trying.’
