Cole Palmer handed improved NINE-YEAR contract by Chelsea after outstanding debut Premier League season at Stamford Bridge

Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City last summer, penning an initial eight-year deal with the west London club. Following a debut campaign which saw him score 25 goals and provide 15 assists in 45 appearances, the Blues have added an extra two years to the 22-year-old's contract, which now runs until 2033.

"I’m delighted to sign this new deal," Palmer said. "I achieved a lot in my first season here and hopefully I can continue to experience great things at this club, both on a personal level and in terms of bringing success and trophies to Chelsea."

Chelsea's decision to spend up to £42.5 million ($54m) was considered something of a risk considering he had only made 19 Premier League appearances for Man City. But he silenced any doubters with a sublime 2023-24 season in which he regularly put Mauricio Pochettino's team on his back, culminating in him winning the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

It's a very good time to be Palmer right now. Fresh off a Euro 2024 campaign in which he frequently made an impact from off the bench for England - including scoring in the final against Spain - he's also up for the Men's PFA Players' Player of the Year award.

Enzo Maresca will struggle to fit all of Chelsea's attacking players into his line-up when the new season gets underway, but Palmer's place in the team is guaranteed. First up is a meeting with his former club City at Stamford Bridge on August 18.