Cole Palmer's Chelsea contract details revealed as existence of 'Champions League release clause' questioned

Palmer has cemented his status as Chelsea's talisman after joining the Blues from Manchester City in September 2023. The England star's sensational performances saw them lock him down to a new contract in August 2024 that means he is tied to the club until 2033.

There has been speculation that Palmer's contract includes a release clause that means the Blues could be forced to consider offers for him if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Yet this is wide of the mark, according to reporter Ben Jacobs, as no Chelsea player has a clause allowing them to leave if the club fail to qualify for Europe's premier club competition. However, Palmer's deal is described as "incentive-driven" and contains incremental wage increases.

Enzo Maresca's side are currently facing a real battle to qualify for next season's Champions League. Chelsea sit down in sixth place in the table but are just a point behind Manchester City in fourth spot. The Chelsea boss insisted at the start of the season that "nobody from the club asked me for the Champions League this year."

Chelsea are on a poor run of form currently but will hope to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday against Aston Villa at Villa Park.