Pep Guardiola has ruled out Cole Palmer leaving Manchester City on loan, but admits the forward could be sold this summer.
Palmer scored as City won the UEFA Super Cup by beating Sevilla on penalties on Wednesday night, with the 21-year-old heading home an equaliser after Youssef En-Nesyri’s opener for the Spanish side.
Palmer’s goal came after the England u-21 international came off the bench to score a stunning effort in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal earlier this month, though the versatile attacker faces an uncertain future as he searches for a more regular role.
He made 25 appearances in all competitions last season, but started just twice in the Premier League – both of which came after City had wrapped up the title.
Brighton and West Ham have been linked with signing the academy graduate, who impressed as England’s u-21 side won the European Championship this summer, though Guardiola has ruled out the prospect of Palmer leaving on loan. He has, however, suggested a permanent exit could materialise.
“He played really, really good and made a fantastic goal,” Guardiola said, as per the BBC.
“The opinion I had when I arrived was that he wanted to leave but now I don’t know what’s going to happen. He’s going to stay or going to sell, but I think a loan is not going to happen.”
