Chelsea signing compared to Jude Bellingham after summer move

Tom Weber

Updated: 21 Nov 2023 16:10 GMT
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea — © ProShots

Sam Allardyce believes that Cole Palmer is comparable to Jude Bellingham after his exceptional start to life at Stamford Bridge.

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The attacking midfielder departed boyhood club Manchester City in the summer after seeing little chance of winning a regular starting spot at the Etihad. Chelsea, who were in the market for a young attacker after being snubbed by Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, pounced on the opportunity to snap up Palmer.

Though the 21-year-old cost a not insignificant €47 million, the move is already looking like a bargain and one that could continue to yield a return for years to come. Palmer has been outstanding for Mauricio Pochettino's inconsistent Blues so far and this has now earned him a surprising comparison to none other than Jude Bellingham.

The midfielder, who was recently crowned the 2023 Golden Boy, has enjoyed an even more spectacular start to life at his new club after moving to Real Madrid for a whopping €103m in the summer.

'What a prospect he looks'

Palmer was recently handed his senior England debut in the absence of Bellingham, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury. On talkSPORT, legendary Premier League coach Sam Allardyce was asked which England player had the ability to replace the Real Madrid man and the controversial ex-Three Lions boss chose Palmer.

"What a fantastic player! Will it be Palmer this time? What a prospect he looks," Allardyce said before insinuating that Pep Guardiola and company will rue letting him leave. "It looks like Man City have slipped up selling him. I don't know what you think."

Pundit Neil Ruddock seemed to concur with Allardyce's assessment, stating: "Amazing they let him go. Unbelievable player.” This wasn't the first time Allardyce questioned City's decision.

Earlier this month, he told No Tippy Tappy Football: “I was surprised that Pep sold him personally. Such a young age and such a talent. They [Chelsea] have even given him the responsibility of penalties. That shows you how confident the lad is and can only get better."