‘Weeks, maybe months’ – Burnley still reeling over failed 2023 chase for Chelsea star now valued at over £75m
Burnley are still left reeling over their failed deal for Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer after spending ‘weeks, maybe months’ pursuing a deal, as per Alan Nixon.
Burnley are currently embarking on a push to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Under the lead of Scott Parker, the Clarets have taken 18 points from the first nine Championship games. It leaves them sat 3rd in the table at this early stage, behind only Sheffield United and Sunderland as we enter the latest international break.
The 2023/24 campaign was a bit of a disaster at Turf Moor, and despite all that has happened since, it seems some of those in the claret side of Lancashire still can’t let go of a potential sliding doors moment.
It has been well-documented that Burnley were trying to sign Cole Palmer on loan from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. However, he would instead join Chelsea permanently, going on to emerge as a superstar at Stamford Bridge.
Now, writing on his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon has said that the saga still stings at Turf Moor. A club insider was quoted as saying:
“We spent weeks, maybe months on Cole. By the time he was convinced Chelsea were on the scene and we lost out.”
Palmer had come around to the idea of a Burnley loan move but Chelsea came in and secured a deal.
What could’ve been
It’s understandably hard to let go of what could have been for the Clarets had they got Palmer in.
The different directions the two have gone in since is stark. Burnley were relegated from the Premier League in dismal fashion while Palmer has emerged as one of the country’s brightest young players and a bonafide star in the top-flight.
As per Transfermarkt, Palmer is valued at €90m (around £75m), though you’d fancy him to move for a far larger fee if he was to make a transfer.
Six goals and five assists in seven Premier League games has taken him to 31 goals and 20 assists in 54 Chelsea games.
Looking forward
The failed Palmer deal is one Burnley will no doubt be left to rue for some time, and they’ll be reminded of it every time he produces the spectacular – which is becoming pretty frequent.
Nevertheless, the Clarets have looked forward since then and are now laser focused on their promotion bid.
Parker’s side have lost just once so far this season. They have a wait to return to action amid international fixtures but will be out to pick up another win against Sheffield Wednesday later this month.
