Since arriving at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has achieved extraordinary success, steering the club to Premier League titles, domestic cups, and even a Champions League victory. Yet, for all of his triumphs, there is one move that former England manager Glen Hoddle believes could haunt him: allowing young talent Cole Palmer to leave the club. The former City academy graduate has been lighting up the Premier League for Chelsea this season, and Hoddle believes Palmer’s potential could ultimately eclipse that of City’s prized asset, Phil Foden.
At just 22, Palmer has made an electrifying start to his career with Chelsea, netting seven goals and providing five assists in his first nine Premier League appearances. This kind of impact is rare, especially for a player who transitioned from City’s squad depth to Chelsea’s starting lineup. While Chelsea has spent over £1 billion on new players since being acquired by Clearlake Capital in 2022, Palmer stands out as a rare bargain, costing Chelsea a mere £40 million—an investment that is already proving its value on the pitch.
Palmer’s early-season form has placed him in direct comparison with Foden, not only due to their similar age and position but also because Guardiola was the one to approve Palmer’s departure to Chelsea. Many now question whether the City boss will regret that decision, especially given Palmer’s versatile performances and ability to contribute in high-stakes moments. Hoddle has been particularly vocal in his praise for Palmer, going as far as to suggest that the young star could eventually surpass Foden, a comparison that underscores the incredible trajectory Palmer seems poised to follow.
On the *Stick to Football* podcast, Hoddle shared his thoughts on the two players, saying, “I’ve always rated Phil Foden as a top player, but he hasn’t done what I thought he would do in the Euros, and he hasn’t shown the same brilliance he does at City when playing for England.” This distinction between club and national performances is critical. While Foden has dazzled at Manchester City under Guardiola’s tutelage, he has struggled to fully translate that form to the international stage. Palmer, meanwhile, has proven himself in an England shirt, notably contributing an assist in the Euro 2024 semi-final and scoring a crucial equalizer in the final against Spain, helping England secure the championship.
Hoddle went on to describe Palmer’s playstyle as “unbelievable,” likening him to a player who brings a sense of joy and creativity to the game, much like a kid playing on the playground. “If he stays true to that spirit, he could elevate himself to superstar status and, in many ways, could go ahead of Foden,” Hoddle remarked. “The journey ahead is filled with challenges—injuries, dips in form, all the usual ups and downs—but he has the potential to be exceptional.”
Palmer’s smooth transition into Chelsea’s starting lineup has been remarkable, particularly considering the injury setbacks that have plagued Foden early in his career. While Palmer has been injury-free so far in West London, Foden has had to overcome physical setbacks at the Etihad Stadium. Though Foden has been in excellent form when fit, his availability has been inconsistent this season, starting only two Premier League matches for City. His Champions League appearances have been more promising, contributing two goals and an assist across three matches, yet questions persist about his ability to sustain fitness and impact across an entire season.
City fans and pundits alike have also revisited Guardiola’s comments from earlier this year, when he shared his reluctance to let Palmer go. Before an FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea, Guardiola admitted, “In pre-season, I said to Cole, ‘Stay, because Riyad [Mahrez] has gone.’ But he wanted regular game time and said, ‘No, I want to leave.’” Acknowledging the lack of minutes he was able to offer Palmer at City, Guardiola explained, “I’m happy for him because he is a lovely guy and he’s playing well now. He’s an incredible threat.”
For Palmer, the decision to leave City has undoubtedly paid off, but for Guardiola, it could become a lasting regret, especially if Palmer continues his current form. The situation reflects a larger theme in football, where managing the development of young talents within a star-studded squad can be challenging. City’s academy has produced several standout players, and yet, due to the intense competition for starting spots, many of these talents find themselves seeking opportunities elsewhere. This balancing act between nurturing homegrown talent and fielding a team of elite, often more experienced players, is a recurring challenge for managers of top clubs.
As Palmer and Foden continue their respective paths, fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on their performances. Palmer’s role at Chelsea seems primed to expand as he becomes an integral part of a squad that is rebuilding under new management. Meanwhile, Foden remains a central figure for City, but expectations continue to rise, especially regarding his ability to impact England’s national team.
Should Palmer reach his potential, his rise could indeed become one of Guardiola’s rare missteps, a decision he might revisit with regret. For now, however, both players are young and talented with promising careers ahead of them. While Guardiola may not have anticipated Palmer’s rapid ascent, his success is a testament to the quality of City’s academy and to the resilience of players willing to take risks to achieve their ambitions.
Hoddle’s prediction serves as a reminder of the high stakes surrounding young English talents. While Foden has already established himself as a mainstay under Guardiola, Palmer’s journey is just beginning. If he continues to play with the same flair and confidence that Hoddle praised, Palmer could very well emerge as a defining player for Chelsea and the England national team—a legacy that may indeed make Guardiola wish he had held onto him just a little bit longer.