- The Chelsea star has signed a new two-year contract with the club
- Cole Palmer’s contract with the Blues now runs until he is 31 years old
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Paul Merson insisted Chelsea ‘don’t know what they are doing’ after handing Cole Palmer a nine-year contract extension.
The England star has given a two-year extension to his contract at Stamford Bridge as the club look to reward him for a groundbreaking debut season following his move from Manchester City last year.
Palmer was a bright spot in an otherwise disastrous season for Chelsea during Mauricio Pochettino’s only term in charge, scoring 25 goals in 45 games and closing in on Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
His efforts were rewarded with a place in the England squad for Euro 2024, resulting in the equaliser in the final against Spain, despite playing only a small part in the tournament.
Chelsea have decided to invest even further in one of England’s brightest talents by extending his contract until the age of 31.
Paul Merson insists Chelsea ‘don’t know what they’re doing’ after handing Cole Palmer a contract extension
The 22-year-old Palmer is now tied to Chelsea for the next nine years, despite only playing one season at the club
Merson furious over Chelsea’s continued decision to give young players long-term contracts
His extension continues the unusual theme introduced by co-owner Todd Boehly of offering huge multi-year contracts to new arrivals as Chelsea continue to spend vast sums on reinforcements.
Merson was scathing about the club’s transfer strategy and questioned the logic behind offering a young player a contract that would last almost a decade, telling Sky Sports: ‘This couldn’t be a better deal for the club.
“I don’t know what they’re doing. We’re talking nine years from now. How can you predict what he’ll be doing nine years from now?
Palmer was the rare bright spot in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Chelsea during Mauricio Pochettino’s only season in charge
“He’s had an incredible season and is a good player, but this season the first thing in the team talk, every team that plays, is that Cole Palmer has to stop playing. That’s what he has all the time now,” he added.
“Now you give him a nine-year contract. I like him, but they give these players seven-, eight-, nine-year contracts. Some of them don’t even play or don’t make the team.
“You can’t tell me what these players will be like in six or seven years. Last season he was unreal, this season he is marked. It will be difficult, if he scores 15 goals next season, I will be honest with myself,” said Merson.
Palmer is expected to feature in Enzo Maresca’s first league game as Chelsea’s new manager when the Blues host reigning champions Man City on Sunday.