Unclear future remains for Manchester City youngster after Super Cup win
By Gary Jordan
Manchester City win another trophy
Manchester City claimed more silverware on Wednesday, overcoming Sevilla on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time to win the UEFA Super Cup in Athens, Greece.
Cole Palmer got the equalizing goal in the second half after the Premier League champions fell behind before the halftime break. It was Palmer who struck the goal in the FA Community Shield just two weeks at Wembley when another shootout saw City lose out to Arsenal. The 21-year-old is making an uncanny knack for scoring important goals, which could be the next big thing for the club.
However, his showing at the start of this season comes off the back of a year where he has bided his time to make regular first-team appearances that saw him play 25 times and score once across all competitions. He was an unused substitute in the FA Cup and Champions League Finals.
Manchester City is always keen to support young talent coming through, but with the need to keep up their huge expectations, this sometimes takes a little longer than the players would like. Palmer, despite his early season form, is now potentially at a crossroads in his career. With the transfer window starting to close, there has been talk of a potential move away to London.
Reinforcements needed
With Kevin de Bruyne out for an extended period, Pep Guardiola seeks an immediate like-for-like replacement and sees that in West Ham United star, Lucas Paqueta. Palmer could be added as bait in a switch that would see the player move, as well as some cash. The Hammers have a valuation of around £85m for the Brazilian, and would not part with their playmaker so easily unless there is a sweetener in the deal.
City boss Guardiola, admits the future of the England U21 international is uncertain, but stressed he would like the player to stay, “I don’t know. I don’t think a loan is going to happen. He’s going to stay, or he’s going to be sold.”