‘I just want to play football’: Cole Palmer admits City future is in balance
Cole Palmer has admitted his Manchester City future is in the balance, with the forward saying it may depend on whether anyone is signed who could reduce his game time.
The 21-year-old scored the 63rdminute equaliser in Wednesday’s penalty shootout Uefa Super Cup victory over Sevilla, having got City’s goal when the champions lost the Community Shield, also after spot-kicks, to Arsenal.
Riyad Mahrez’s summer departure and illness ruling out Bernardo Silva, who is expected to sign a one-year contract extension to 2026, cleared the way for Palmer to start against Sevilla, after he came on as a second-half replacement for Erling Haaland at Wembley.
Palmer said: “It’s been a couple of good games for me but I don’t know. I will have to see what the future holds. This summer [in pre-season] I was playing a lot and when we came back I was given the opportunity twice. I have always been confident but it’s more rhythm, match sharpness and stuff like that. It really helps when you are playing consistently.”
Palmer, who is from Wythenshawe in Manchester and has been at City since he was seven, was asked whether he could leave. “I have no idea; I just want to play football,” he said. “So whatever the best decision is when we speak together, that is what I will do. Obviously the best scenario is to stay at City and play but obviously you know what the competition is like, if they bring someone in – I don’t know.”
City are targeting Valentín Barco, the Boca Juniors left-back. The 19-yearold has an £8m release clause and may be loaned out if he signs.