English pundit Paul Merson voices concerns over Cole Palmer’s fresh long-term deal

Former Arsenal and England player turned pundit Paul Merson has slammed Chelsea following Cole Palmer signing the latest contract extension to extend his stay for two more years. Palmer had initially joined the Blues on an eight-year deal and after this latest contract renewal, he is now on much-improved terms. 

The attacking midfielder has committed his future at Stamford Bridge until 2033, which subsequently leaves Paul Merson baffled over the fact that the club presented the nine-year deal to their last season’s standout performer.

On the Sky Sports segment called ‘Soccer Special’, the retired England player expressed his annoyance stating, “It can’t be a better deal for the club, they don’t know what they’re doing! I’m not being horrible but you’re talking about nine years! How can you tell how he’s (Palmer) going to be in nine years’ time?”

“He’s had an unbelievable season and he is a good player, but this season every team they face, the first thing in the team talk will be ‘stop Cole Palmer playing’ – that’s the thing now, he’s got that the whole time now. And now you’re giving him a nine-year contract?”, Merson added further, showering praise for the 22-year-old’s debut campaign at Chelsea.

Last summer, Cole Palmer made a sensational switch to Chelsea from Manchester City and clinched the tag of ‘Premier League Young Player of the Season’ for the 2023-24 campaign. 

He produced a scintillating and record-breaking individual campaign, the midfielder bagged 25 goals and created 15 assists — racking up an impressive goal contribution tally of 40 goals in 45 appearances in total across all competition.