NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Roberto De Zerbi says Brighton tried to sign Cole Palmer from Manchester City last summer, but was beaten by Chelsea, where he temporarily became a superstar.
Palmer, the Premier League star of the season, scored 21 league goals in his first season with the Blues and 24 in all competitions.
The 22-year-old enjoyed very little first-team before moving from the Etihad to Stamford Bridge for £40m, but temporarily showed that he is in a position and capable of playing at an elite level.
He proved to be a brilliant signing for Chelsea, but a sadness for Brighton, as they also liked the foreigner from England last year.
De Zerbi showed that the Seagulls wanted to sign Palmer before the start of the season, recognising his great potential, but Chelsea came first.
“We tried to incorporate him last summer,” the Italian said of Palmer. “We think he can be a very sensible player. Palmer’s qualities are obvious. This season he is betting very well and scoring a lot of goals.
De Zerbi’s side host Palmer’s side in the Premier League on Wednesday night, Chelsea are on a three-game winning streak and the Italian is hoping for a challenge.
“They are very good, they deserve to fight for a European position,” he said.
Brighton have been in very good form, with just two wins in their last 10 Premier League games, but De Zerbi insists his players are coming out strong this season.
“It’s because after Sunday we go on vacation and when we go on vacation, if we don’t have any problems [from the last two games], it will be a challenge for me,” he said. “I need us to finish in the top 10 most sensible. “
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