Man City fans stunned after Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer transfer decisions
Man City fans all said the same thing after Rico Lewis was at fault for Real Madrid’s match-winner in the Champions League.
Cole Palmer joined Premier League rivals Chelsea in September 2023 for £40million, having graduated from the Sky Blues’ academy.
The attacking-midfielder has become one of the best players in the world, and scored for England in the European Championship final against Spain in 2024.
Chelsea were interested in signing Man City youngster Nico O’Reilly in January, but having already seen Palmer become a world-beater having made a similar move, the Sky Blues were insisting on a buy-back clause that eventually scuppered the deal.
Man City fans rue Rico Lewis mistake against Real Madrid
Lewis was linked with a move away from Man City in January, due to a lack of consistent game-time at the Etihad.
Instead, Kyle Walker joined AC Milan, leaving the young England international as the only out-and-out right-back available to Pep Guardiola.
Wayne Rooney called the decision to let Walker leave Man City “really odd”, after Lewis was caught out by Vinicius Junior for Real Madrid’s winning goal, as the Brazilian stole ahead of the right-back and set up Jude Bellingham.
The Citizens had been on top against their Spanish opposition, after a brace from Erling Haaland either side of a Kylian Mbappe goal.
However, the Sky Blues let slip their lead in the 86th minute, and then Bellingham’s goal gave Madrid a shock win.
Man City made a mistake in selling Cole Palmer according to fans
City have made a habit of selling youngsters from their academy in recent seasons.
Due to profit and sustainability rules (PSR), Premier League clubs have been encouraged to sell their academy graduates, as they represent a pure profit, allowing clubs to spend more in the transfer market.
Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap, Jadon Sancho and Morgan Rogers have all spent time at the Sky Blues’ academy set-up, and all were sold, before becoming star players for their teams.
However, City fans voiced their frustrations at Lewis being the graduate who remained at the club, with one saying they “can’t believe Pep gave a chance to Rico Lewis”, and another adding “if Cole Palmer and Liam Delap were not good enough, that also makes Rico Lewis not good enough either”.