Cole Palmer is set to return to the Etihad but Manchester City have powered on without him

This weekend’s clash between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium will mark the return of Cole Palmer to the Etihad for the first time since his move to Chelsea last summer. While Cole Palmer has taken his game to another level with Mauricio Pochettino’s side, the world champions have powered on since he departed for Chelsea.

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There is no doubt Cole Palmer has shown what he is capable of since his move to Chelsea. As per transfermarkt.com he has scored 12 goals and added 9 assists in 28 appearances for the London club. There was never any doubt about Palmer’s ability while he was at Manchester City. He began the season well by scoring for the world champions in the FA Community Shield and the UEFA Super Cup. All that was lacking for Palmer at City was opportunity.

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Speaking before Manchester City’s 4-all draw with Chelsea earlier this season Pep Guardiola explained that City didn’t want to sell Palmer. But as Guardiola explained Cole Palmer was eager to leave for more opportunities. The City manager said: “Cole arrived and accepted some processes and then after one or two years said ‘No, I don’t want to play here, I am not going to play.’ But I said ‘Riyad [Mahrez] is leaving, you are going to get a chance here,’ and he said ‘No, I am not going to play here, I want to leave,’ so I said ‘OK, leave.”

Manchester City have powered on since Palmer’s departure

Since Cole Palmer departed for Chelsea the world champions have powered on without the academy graduate. City have gone on to lift the FIFA Club World Cup since his move to Chelsea and are on the hunt to defend the treble they won last season. While Palmer has thrived since his move the European champions have continued on their merry way.

A positive for Manchester City since the departure of Palmer has been the development of Oscar Bobb. The young Norwegian starlet has taken the role that Cole Palmer filled during his time at the Etihad. Bobb has shown what he is capable of and the immense talent he has this season. There is an argument that Oscar Bobb may not have gotten the opportunity he has had this season if Palmer hadn’t departed City last summer.

Palmer’s move was best for both parties

As Cole Palmer prepares to return to the Etihad this weekend it is a rare case of a sale of a player being the best for the player and the club. The youngster got the opportunity to show what he is capable of and Manchester City have continued to power on to more success as their FIFA Club World Cup triumph demonstrates.

It will be a special occasion for Cole Palmer when he returns to the Etihad on Saturday. But as it stands he has thrived and Manchester City have powered on since his departure.