Cole Palmer posts Chelsea message as Champions League secured amid exit speculation
Chelsea breathed a huge sigh of relief on Sunday after securing Champions League football following their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Levi Colwill’s second-half tap-in was enough for Chelsea to secure a seat at European football’s top table next season thanks to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
On what was a nervy afternoon for those chasing a place in the top five, Enzo Maresca’s men held their nerve to finish two points ahead of fifth-place Newcastle United and Aston Villa in sixth.
Victory guaranteed Chelsea’s return to UEFA’s prime club tournament for the first time since the 2022/23 season, and also helped quieten any unwanted speculation regarding their top players.
Palmer reacts to Chelsea’s Champions League success
Following victory in the East Midlands, Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer was quick to mark the occasion on social media and quell any uncertainty surrounding his Stamford Bridge future in the process.
Via a post on Instagram, the 23-year-old posted: “Back where we belong! Champions League nights loading,” alongside a picture of himself on the City Ground pitch.
Concerns around the England star’s future were raised prior to the game, when Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood suggested a move might be in the offing for Palmer if Chelsea’s Champions League bid failed.
However, the former Manchester City man, who arrived in the capital via a £40million move from his hometown club in 2023 [Sky Sports], now appears to be looking forward to what will be his third season in a blue shirt.
Conference League success can light fuse on biggest stage of all
Football Insider Verdict
While their domestic season has come to an end, the Blues have the chance to secure some much-needed European silverware when Chelsea face Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
Central to their chances of success – as he so often is – will be Palmer. A perceived dip in form saw the attacker find the net just once in 23 games during the second half of the Blues’ campaign in all competitions.
| Premier League games | Goals | Assists |
| 37 | 15 | 8 |
Yet his influence and ability has never been in question. However Maresca utilises his star man against their Seville-based opponents, the weight of expectation will be significant.
Palmer is no stranger to the big occasion. His goal for England in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain proved as much. Few would rule out another high-impact performance from the current PFA Young Player of the Year to whet his appetite for what is to come next season.