'Cole Palmer exit risk as Chelsea star wants to play in the Champions League'

Cole Palmer could be an exit risk at Chelsea as the star is believed to want to be playing Champions League football next season.

The Blues will face off against Nottingham Forest on the final day, needing three points to guarantee their place in UEFA's premier competition next season.

Despite Chelsea spending significantly in recent seasons, they have not played Champions League football since the 2022/23 season.

Having signed Palmer from Man City for £40million [Sky Sports] the England international has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's best players.

But during his time in West London, there has been little to celebrate, as the club have routinely missed out on silverware, and playing in club football's most prestigious competition.

Should Chelsea fail in their quest to make it to the Champions League, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has his concerns about Palmer's future at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer joined Chelsea to play in the 'big occasions'

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special, Sherwood claimed that if Forest were to beat Chelsea and qualify for the Champions League, Man City target Morgan Gibbs-White "might give them another season".

But, if they failed to qualify, the former Blackburn captain felt the ex-Wolves man would "be looking to play in the Champions League", insinuating he would want to leave.

Sherwood then spoke about Palmer's future at the club, suggesting that either midfielder could be on the move this summer, depending on who qualified.

He said (25 May, 2.17pm): "Cole Palmer will be another one in my opinion, he's not played in the Champions League for a couple of years now.

"He wants to play in the big occasions, that is what he's come to Chelsea for.

"I agree with [Paul Merson], I think it's a failure for Chelsea, having spent that money for them not to qualify for the Champions League.

"The Europa Conference League for them, if you ask the fans, and we know how much fan and players want to win trophies, but they will say 'we want to be in the Champions League, it's a tin-pot cup'."

Chelsea need Cole Palmer to be saviour once again

Football Insider Verdict

Since switching Manchester for London, Palmer has been called upon the be the Blues' saviour time and time again.

Against a Forest side in disarray, it would be easy for Chelsea to become complacent. But this is, in essence, a cup final, and as evidenced by Tottenham and Crystal Palace in recent weeks, anything can happen when it's all on the line.

Palmer has struggled in the second half of the season as the Blues slipped away from tentative title challenger, to Champions League hopefuls.

But the England international has the talent to turn it on at any time, and his side need it most against Forest.

The possibilities for Chelsea are endless if they do qualify for the Champions League, but if they don't, PSR may begin to rear it's ugly head.