The 22-year-old recently signed a long-term, nine-year contract with Chelsea, but football pundit Paul Merson argues that the club’s strategy is not necessarily to keep young players for the full duration of their deals.
Merson suggests that if Cole Palmer, the player in question, continues to perform well and fulfills his potential, he could evolve into a player worth £100 million.
In such a situation, Merson believes Chelsea would likely sell him for that amount rather than allowing him to stay and see out his contract.
This aligns with what Merson describes as the club’s policy of not letting players’ contracts run to their expiration.
Since joining Chelsea last year, Palmer has made a remarkable impression, netting 26 goals and providing 19 assists in 51 appearances.
His contribution has been vital to the team, and if he maintains this level of performance, any decision to sell him could provoke a strong reaction from the fanbase.
Many supporters would likely be upset by his departure, especially if it occurs after he becomes a key player for the club.
Merson also points out that the lengthy contracts Chelsea hands out are part of a broader financial strategy aimed at complying with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.
By offering extended deals, the club is able to spread the cost of player transfers over a longer period, a process known as amortization, which makes it easier to balance the club’s financial accounts.
Although the Premier League has recently imposed a five-year limit on amortization for financial reporting purposes, clubs like Chelsea still benefit from offering longer contracts.
This approach allows them to offer players lower basic wages while staying within the constraints of financial fair play rules.
As a result, clubs can continue investing in young talent while keeping their financial books in check.
Chelsea has a well-known practice of generating profits from the sale of homegrown players, with Conor Gallagher being a notable example.
However, Palmer’s case differs because he was purchased from Manchester City rather than being developed through Chelsea’s academy system.
This distinction means that, from an accounting standpoint, Palmer may not generate the same financial return as a homegrown player.
Nonetheless, from a footballing perspective, the idea of selling Palmer—especially considering his status as one of the team’s standout performers—appears counterproductive and difficult to justify.
Merson’s analysis emphasizes that while Chelsea’s financial strategy makes sense in terms of balancing the books and maintaining compliance with league rules, selling a player of Palmer’s caliber after he reaches his potential could harm the club both on the pitch and in the eyes of the supporters.
As Palmer continues to impress, any potential sale would not only be perplexing but could also lead to significant backlash from Chelsea’s fanbase.
