Jamie Carragher has questioned Cole Palmer’s long-term future at Chelsea, suggesting that the young playmaker should be at a club competing for the Champions League rather than tied to a lengthy contract at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking after Chelsea’s recent performance, Carragher expressed his admiration for Palmer but pointed out signs of frustration within the team.

“I’m a big fan of Cole Palmer, and he played two passes early on, but the longer the game went on, you could see the frustration with his teammates.”

The former Liverpool defender also criticised Chelsea’s policy of handing out long-term deals, arguing that it could limit the ambitions of top talents like Palmer.

“This is when I go back to those eight-year contracts, and whether they are good for the club and players. If you’re Cole Palmer, who’s got six or seven years left on his deal, and should be playing for a team looking to win the Champions League, how does he get out? How does he get out?”

Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout performer this season, but Carragher’s comments highlight a growing debate about the club’s long-term project and whether it aligns with the ambitions of their best players.