Report: Manchester City identify ‘special’ Phil Foden-like talent as Raheem Sterling replacement
Manchester City will reportedly turn to Cole Palmer as a substitute for Raheem Sterling next season, despite the fact that the England international is on the verge of joining Chelsea.
According to the Daily Mail, the 20-year-old academy graduate is set for a more serious role in the first team after a breakout season in the senior squad last season, in which Palmer made 11 appearances across all competitions and scored three goals, including one in the UEFA Champions League against Club Brugge.
Following Phil Foden’s enormous success, Pep Guardiola is now eager to emulate it with Palmer, one of City’s most highly rated academy products who is also a local star like his England international partner.
With City already having signed Julian Alvarez, who can play in Sterling’s places, the Premier League champions may be alright without the Chelsea-bound sensation next season, especially if Palmer rises up into the seniors with the correct mentality.
Palmer, who is typically a centre midfielder but has spent most of his first-team time on the wings and in attacking positions, was one of City’s greatest U-21 players last season, and with Sterling joining Chelsea, Palmer may be a fantastic homegrown alternative for the 27-year-old.
Indeed, the decision will be well received by supporters, who have done an excellent job in recent months in hyping up the likes of Palmer and James McAtee, another academy product who might see more first-team action next season if a senior midfielder leaves the Etihad Stadium.
Palmer is a prospect many fans and experts are expecting big things from next season, and with the club now handing the 20-year-old the opportunity to replace a player as significant as Sterling, the England youth international has a golden opportunity to establish a name for himself.
Palmer is clearly far too talented for youth football, and with City giving the academy graduate a chance of a lifetime next season, the winger could be the ideal replacement for Sterling in the coming months, especially if he replicates Foden’s form during his breakout season with the Manchester giants.
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Report: Manchester City identify ‘special’ Phil Foden-like talent as Raheem Sterling replacement
