Chelsea star could have been playing for West Ham, according to David Moyes

David Moyes confirms West Ham wanted to sign Cole Palmer before Chelsea came in

David Moyes reveals West Ham came close to signing Cole Palmer last summer before Chelsea pounced on their target acquisition and brought him to Stamford Bridge. Moyes further says he also held talks with Palmer’s agent, but the move couldn’t transpire after Lucas Paqueta’s stalled, which hampered Palmer’s transfer to the Hammers in the summer window.

Palmer subsequently joined Chelsea for more minutes on the pitch and has since enjoyed a massive breakthrough at the Blues, recording 20 goals in the Premier League and is the second top scorer in the league.

The forward has significantly improved our team and established himself as a Mauricio Pochettino stalwart. Given that the Blues moved rapidly to recruit him before the Hammers, they would be fortunate to have him. His presence on the pitch adds greater offensive purpose.

Moyes would regret not signing Palmer after seeing his current-season form. Speaking to reporters before the West Ham game vs. Chelsea, (h/t Mirror), he said:

“It was close, close. You can imagine the other part of it—the possibility of someone leaving here that might have made it work. I was in regular contact with his agent, and we were well on the road with it. It just changed at the end, and we couldn’t do it.”

David Moyes says West Ham wanted to sign Cole Palmer.
David Moyes says West Ham wanted to sign Cole Palmer.

The Hammers have been brilliant this season under Moyes, and had Palmer joined them, he would have certainly been one of the top four contenders, given they have the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus. Chelsea should be lucky that they didn’t miss the chance to sign the England international last summer, which is reaping rewards as the forward continues to make waves for us.

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Palmer has shown over time that he possesses all the necessary skills to rank among the best players. When Chelsea elevates the bar and challenges for trophies, the 21-year-old will undoubtedly have an important role and will be seen as one of the best players in the game, right up there with Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham.