Cole Palmer warned he could 'end up like Mason Mount' as fans respond to 'overhyped' Chelsea star's 'I'll be back' vow after Southampton blank

Palmer’s recent performances have been far from the usual electric displays that had initially made him a key figure in Chelsea's attack. His form has notably worsened during a period where Chelsea have also seen their ambitions for a top-four Premier League finish falter. He failed to find the net for the seventh game in a row when the Blues beat Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.

Despite the growing concerns over his performances, Palmer remained positive and posted a story on Instagram after the Southampton game, which read: "Don't worry, I will be back." Some fans, however, have warned Palmer that his current trajectory could see him end up like former Chelsea favourite Mason Mount, whose departure to Manchester United in 2023 has turned into a cautionary tale.

An X user named @0xticketguy wrote: "Another player with potential. Hope he doesn't end up like Mason Mount."

Meanwhile, a Manchester United fan @UTDRoger_ wrote: "He’s washed."

@DIAMONDDGREAT said: "Cole Palmer is just too overhyped, Saka is better than him."

A vexed Palmer admirer @71Sports71 wrote: "Big Palmer fan but this ain't it. Nobody needs to hear this nonsense. Just play better."

@NI_Hardy237 joked: "The real Palmer is out no more penalties 🤣."

Mount, who left Chelsea for an initial £55 million ($69.7m), has struggled to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford. And with just 32 appearances for United so far, there has been growing speculation that the Red Devils might consider letting the midfielder go in the summer transfer window amid reported interest from Inter.

Palmer will look to rise above the recent criticism and prove that he can fulfill the promise he showed throughout 2024. The next opportunity comes on March 6, when Chelsea take on Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League last-16.