Former Chelsea striker Loïc Rémy has claimed that Cole Palmer could consider leaving Stamford Bridge if the club fails to challenge for major trophies, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid named as potential destinations.
Palmer, 22, has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers since his £40m move from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
However, Chelsea’s struggles this season—winning just three of their last 11 league games and crashing out of the FA Cup—have raised concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.
Speaking to Plejmo.com, Rémy acknowledged Chelsea’s current difficulties and Palmer’s role in the team’s inconsistent performances.
“Chelsea have a very young squad and Cole Palmer is part of that, it looks like he is struggling at the moment,” said the ex-Blues forward. “He is struggling but the whole team is struggling. He has had some incredible performances and scored and created goals, but the spotlight is always on him.
“When he isn’t playing well, it can impact the team, and he’s not a superhero. If the whole team isn’t performing, then it will affect him. He is only a young player like most of the players in the team.”
Despite Chelsea’s issues, Palmer remains a crucial figure for Enzo Maresca’s side, but Rémy believes the England international could thrive in Spain if he ever decided to leave.
“If Palmer did decide to leave Chelsea, he would thrive in Spain. He has so much ability with the ball, and he makes the game look easy. He has all the technical talent to thrive at a club like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atlético Madrid. He has the profile to be a success there, but first, he will try to win major trophies with Chelsea, that is his priority.”
However, Rémy also warned that if Chelsea fail to compete at the highest level, Palmer could be tempted by a move away.
“Chelsea players might fear that Cole Palmer will want to leave the club if they don’t compete for trophies because that is the nature of football. When I was at Marseille, I left to join QPR because I had some value at the time. Sometimes things happen in football and players move on.
He concluded by saying: “Palmer will want to win trophies, and if Chelsea can’t do that, then eventually he might decide to move on.”