In an academy that has seen a lot of talent leave the club on permanent deals, although with repurchase provisions, the 21-year-old is one of City’s best prospects.
Romeo Lavia and James Trafford, for example, left for high salaries with the prospect that they might come back in the future, but Palmer should not go this path.
Several clubs were reportedly interested in signing the Englishman on a loan, as well as Brighton, but City should turn down all of these offers.
Palmer’s expanded involvement in the first-team squad was demonstrated by his 25 appearances across all competitions last season, but just seven of those came from the start.
Palmer is prepared for a bigger role?
The City Academy graduate is prepared to emulate Phil Foden, who went through several trying years before becoming a vital member of Pep Guardiola’s team, but Palmer might even have more opportunities in the upcoming campaign.
Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez’s departures disappointed some, but the absence of the two more experienced players may allow Palmer to play a bigger role going forward.
Palmer can play practically anywhere in the middle and on the wings because of his versatility, thus he might be tested as a right-side replacement for Mahrez or as a center-back replacement for Mateo Kovacic.
In just 29 games for the under-21 team, he has scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists. If given more opportunities next season, City could witness him blossom into a complete member of the first-team group.
They have been connected to fellow 21-year-old Michael Olise, but Palmer may be a great ready-made replacement for the Frenchman if they are unable to clinch a deal for the Crystal Palace player.
Palmer had previously been praised by Paul Dickov as “excellent,” so now would be the ideal time for City to add another conceivably elite player to their treble-winning group.