Cole Palmer has signed a new Chelsea contract on improved terms that runs until 2034. The England international, who is 24, was already under contract until 2033, but the club is rewarding his performances as he has become one of their key attacking players. He is also increasingly seen as a dressing-room leader.
The deal places Palmer among the longest contracts in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland of Manchester City, and Chelsea team-mates Joao Pedro and Geovany Quenda, are also contracted to 2034.
“Chelsea means a lot to me and I think the club is going in the right direction, so I’m delighted to sign and I’m obviously very happy,” Palmer said.
“Speaking to the owners, to the sporting directors and obviously the manager, they gave me a lot of confidence so it was only right to sign.
“Speaking to players as well, everyone has the same ambitions. I feel like we win major trophies here consistently and I want to be a part of that and play a big role in it too.”
A series of renewals
Palmer signed his previous contract only two years ago, after joining Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5m move in 2023. The new deal is the latest in a series of extensions at the club, which aim to reward established and emerging players while keeping the wage structure under control.
Joao Pedro signed a new contract until 2034 in August, and Pedro Neto agreed a new six-year deal last month.
Form and partnerships
Palmer has built a strong understanding with the Brazil forward Joao Pedro. He has also renewed his on-pitch partnership with his “best friend in football”, Morgan Rogers, in the early stages of Xabi Alonso’s reign as manager. Palmer was one of the few people privy to Chelsea’s negotiations to sign Rogers from Aston Villa for a club-record £117m fee this summer.
Palmer has scored four goals and provided two assists in seven matches this season, so he has been involved in six goals. It marks a return to form after a niggling groin issue troubled him throughout last season. He admitted he had played through the problem even though he “probably shouldn’t have done”.
The injury also cost him his place in England’s World Cup squad over the summer. He had previously sought specialist advice on whether he needed surgery.
Availability questions
Palmer has played more minutes than any other Chelsea player this season. However, he missed England’s recent international break, which prompted Thomas Tuchel to say he “misses too many opportunities”.
Alonso has confirmed that Palmer is expected to be available for Saturday’s game against Bournemouth. He also insisted that Palmer remains committed to playing for England.
“Absolutely. He’s committed, but he needs to be fully fit to play,” Alonso said.
“And when he’s fully fit, he will enjoy his minutes. We need him in that moment. The club and the national team.
“He trained over the past week and has been feeling better, but we didn’t want to rush him.”
Chelsea sit 10th in the table after five matches, having conceded 12 goals.
