Man City exclusive: Real reasons for Cole Palmer sale to Chelsea emerge as Pep Guardiola sticks to his guns

The demands made by Cole Palmer on Pep Guardiola for more first-team opportunities was the beginning of the end of his Manchester City career, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Palmer completed a deadline day move to Chelsea with Mauricio Pochettino’s side parting with £42.5m to bring the 21-year-old to south-west London. Many were shocked that City were willing to part company with their talented homegrown talent, who made 41 appearances, scoring six times since his debut in September 2020.

City released a statement confirming his exit through the club’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who thanked Palmer for his efforts.

“Cole has come up through our Academy system and been a model professional throughout that time,” Begiristain told the club’s official site.

“We’ve enjoyed watching his development and I’d also like to pay tribute, as I am sure Cole would, to the coaches who’ve aided his progress through the years.

“Cole was a valuable member of the Treble-winning squad and we won’t forget the impact he made in our victory in the UEFA Super Cup success that followed.

“We wish Cole well for the future.”

With Riyad Mahrez departing Manchester City earlier in the summer, many felt Palmer was well placed to take advantage and gain more game-time.

Ultimately, though, City went out and signed Jeremy Doku in a £55.5m swoop from Rennes, further limiting the England U21 star’s prospects of regular action.

READ MORE: Souness rips into Chelsea for ‘strange’ deadline day signing of Cole Palmer

Palmer left Man City after blunt Pep Guardiola refusal

Now sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that it was the player’s desire to play more regular football that lead to him leaving.

Guardiola had used Palmer regularly during pre-season, leading to renewed optimism he would feature more. But we understand that during the summer, the player asked for a meeting with the Spaniard as he looked to find out how much football he would be expecting this season.

And it was during this meeting that Guardiola made clear to Palmer he could not promise him any game time to be exact. Furthermore, if he needed guaranteed football he would have to find it elsewhere.

From this meeting, we understand the wheels were put in motion over a move away with Palmer making it clear he would rather leave City if it meant regular first-team football.

Guardiola rarely, if ever, makes any promises to his players and especially for his young players, who he expects to fight for their minutes. It is believed the Spaniard was disappointed to lose Palmer, but he would not change his stance.

And when a big offer came along from Chelsea, with the Blues happy to meet City’s asking price, it was felt a move away was in everyone’s best interests.

READ MORE: Man City in panic mode as Pep Guardiola becomes ‘dream’ target for momentous next job