Manchester City’s decision to sell Cole Palmer and Jamie Gittens has come under fire as both players excel for their respective clubs. Palmer shines as one of Chelsea’s best players, while Gittens is making waves at Borussia Dortmund, leading many to question City’s transfer strategy.
Cole Palmer: The One That Got Away
Since his move to Chelsea, Cole Palmer has transformed into a Premier League standout. With 50 goal contributions since the start of the 2023/24 season, Palmer has left City fans wondering if the club let go of a ready-made Kevin De Bruyne replacement.
Pundits like Clinton Morrison and Tony Cascarino have heaped praise on Palmer, with Morrison calling him “the best player in the Premier League” and Cascarino comparing him to De Bruyne. Palmer’s performances underscore the regret City might feel for sanctioning his sale in the summer of 2023.
Jamie Gittens: Dortmund’s Rising Star
City’s woes don’t end with Palmer. Jamie Gittens, a former City academy player, has flourished at Borussia Dortmund. At just 20 years old, Gittens has scored nine goals and provided four assists this season. His four Champions League goals make him the youngest English player to achieve such a feat since Alan Smith in 2000/01.
Gittens’ stats over the past 365 days highlight his immense potential:
- Successful take-ons: 4.09 per 90 minutes
- Progressive carries: 5.89 per 90 minutes
- Non-penalty goals: 0.4 per 90 minutes
- Assists: 0.71 per 90 minutes
Borussia Dortmund’s Nuri Sahin and Gregor Kobel have praised Gittens’ growth, with Sahin stating:
“He’s making big steps in his game, both with and without the ball. English football has someone special coming.”
City’s Struggles in Attack:
Manchester City’s current attacking stats highlight the void left by players like Palmer and Gittens. Outside of Erling Haaland, City’s top scorers have just three goals each in all competitions. Wingers like Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho have struggled to consistently deliver goal contributions, raising questions about the club’s patience with young talents.
Did City Act Too Soon?
City’s willingness to invest heavily in new players like Doku and Savinho contrasts with their decision to sell academy products like Gittens. Critics argue that patience with these young talents could have saved the club millions while providing homegrown stars ready to meet Pep Guardiola’s demands.
The Verdict:
Manchester City’s recent transfer decisions are under scrutiny, and the success of Palmer and Gittens only amplifies the debate. Both players represent what City might be missing: dynamic, young talents capable of shaping the future of their team.
Time will tell if City’s decisions truly come back to haunt them, but for now, the performances of Palmer and Gittens stand as a stark reminder of what might have been.
