Jamie Carragher questions whether Chelsea can keep Cole Palmer happy if they miss out on Champions League spot after dismal defeat at Brighton

Jamie Carragher has revealed that he is unsure if Chelsea will be able to keep Cole Palmer should they fail to qualify for the Champions League. 

The Blues put on a feeble display in a 3-0 loss to Brighton in the Premier League on Friday night, meaning they could finish the weekend as low as sixth in the table. 

Palmer, 22, cut a frustrated figure as his side were defeated by the Seagulls for the second time in six days following their FA Cup loss to the same opponents last Saturday. 

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher questioned whether Palmer’s mind could wonder elsewhere were Chelsea to finish outside the top four for a third successive season. 

The former Liverpool defender pointed to the club’s current situation under Enzo Maresca, noting that the Italian’s preference in youth means Chelsea may not compete for major honours for an extended period.

Carragher said: ‘The problem with the idea that this project is going to take two or three years is that the best players who are in the team won’t wait [that long].

Palmer, 22, cut a frustrated figure as his side were defeated by the Seagulls

‘Cole Palmer is one of the best players in the Premier League. He wasn’t at his best [against Brighton] but you could that he was beginning to feel frustrated. 

‘He is good enough to be competing for the biggest honours in the Premier League and the Champions League. He has scored in a European Championship final. 

The England playmaker has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge since signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 – but is yet to feature in Europe’s premier club competition. 

But since his move to south-west London, he has set English football alight with 36 goals in 58 league appearances for Chelsea. 

However, his side could now be in danger of slipping out of the top four after winning just two league games since mid-December. 

Carragher added: They have to get Champions League football. If they don’t it will be a disaster. 

‘The one [concerning sign] from this game [against Brighton] was not just how poor they were but also the signs of frustration shown by Palmer.’ 

Chelsea and Palmer will be hoping to make amends for back-to-back losses on the south coast when they return to action next Saturday. 

They visit Aston Villa in a fixture that could prove pivotal in the top four race.