Enzo Maresca wants to bring Cole Palmer back to Manchester City if he ends up replacing Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola could end up parting ways with Manchester City at the end of the season. If he does leave the Manchester-based giants, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is the favourite to replace him on the bench.
According to a report from Fichajes, Maresca has already chosen the first marquee player that he would like to sign at Manchester City. The Italian would love to reunite with Cole Palmer in Manchester.
Maresca took charge at Chelsea in the summer of 2024. He did wonders for them in the very first season. The Italian helped them secure Champions League football and guided them to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles.
He had a massive impact on Cole Palmer, who had joined the London club from City back in 2023. The English international took his game to the next level under him. While Maresca has been sacked by Chelsea after some behind-the-scenes tension, he could soon return to a managerial role in the Premier League.
The former Chelsea boss is the leading candidate to become the next Manchester City manager. Having previously worked at the club as an assistant to Pep Guardiola, he is considered the ideal option to take over from the Spaniard if he decides to bring an end to his extremely successful stint at the club.
Maresca wants Palmer at City
During talks with the City board, the Italian has already made his conditions for signing a contract with the English champions clear. The 45-year-old has asked the club to bring Palmer back to the club next summer.
Since leaving City, Palmer has not only established himself as one of their mainstays, but he is also widely regarded as one of the best attackers in the world. Maresca feels he could become one of the cornerstones of their project in the post-Guardiola era.
City are well aware of Maresca’s demands and are seriously considering making a significant outlay to re-sign their academy graduate. Palmer shares a great bond with the Italian manager, and given his emotional connection with City, he could be tempted by the idea of returning to his childhood club.
