Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior calls Cole Palmer transfer rumours unrealistic ahead of Napoli clash
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has responded to swirling transfer rumours linking Cole Palmer with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, playing down such talk as speculative. With Napoli looming in the Champions League, the manager is keen to keep the focus firmly on his squad’s preparation ahead of such a crucial game.
The timing of the rumours coincided with the arrival of Chelsea’s new manager, but Rosenior sees the England international as part of his plans and stressed that Palmer remains fully committed to the club. He insisted that the player is content at Stamford Bridge and sees that as the best place for his continued development.
Rosenior also highlighted the importance of keeping players focused amid media chatter, making it clear that speculation does not reflect the reality at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer remains committed
“Cole’s an incredible player, like the man [Moises Caicedo] sitting next to me and many players in the group,” said Rosenior at the pre-match press conference.
“I’m not surprised at the timing. A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there are people looking to unsettle. It’s not true. Cole’s here, he’s very happy and I can’t wait to see him on the pitch.
“There’s no reason for an assurance from Chelsea’s directors. It’s so unrealistic. It’s come from nowhere, there’s nothing in it. There’s no reason to have the conversation, that’s where I’m at.”
Antonio Conte hits back at Diego Costa’s explosive claims:
“Honestly I’m not a person to lose energy reading what the people say in the paper.
“I know there are intelligent people… and stupid people.”#Napoli #Chelsea #UCL pic.twitter.com/qqVhzwFobt
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) January 27, 2026
Focus on Chelsea
Rosenior reassured Blues fans and the assembled media that Palmer is fully focused on Chelsea’s plans. Despite vehemently insisting that there was no need to discuss this matter specifically, the manager did say he has had multiple discussions with the player about his development, the team’s improvement, and how the squad can support him in reaching his potential.
“Cole is very happy,” said Rosenior.
“We’ve had numerous conversations with him on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him – because he loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player.
“You can’t stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth, there’s not point having any discussion about it.”
As Rosenior acknowledges, attempts to shut down the rumour mill are futile, but as far as he is concerned this is a non-issue. His more pressing concern is a massive game against Napoli with Cole Palmer expected to return after the 23-year-old missed the weekend’s win at Crystal Palace with a thigh complaint.