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      Man Utd face paying £10million penalty and financial black hole if they miss out on Champions League again

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      MANCHESTER UNITED risk facing huge financial challenges if they go another season without Champions League football.The Red Devils failed to earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League table.Man Utd face losing a huge chunk of money if they do not qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe is in charge of football operations at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyDespite enduring one of their worst campaigns, they managed to earn Europa League qualification by winning the FA Cup.However, securing Champions League football this time around will be imperative for the club’s financial status.Failing to finish in the top four would result in a £10million penalty clause being invoked ahead of the 2025-26 season.When Man Utd penned a 10-year partnership extension with Adidas last summer, it was agreed that failure to qualify for the Champions League on two consecutive occasions would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in annual payments.Read More in FootballUnited will also be penalised for every other season they fail to earn a spot.On top of that, tens of millions more will be lost in broadcasting deals and match day revenue.The Red Devils earned £93.1m from their 2018-19 Champions League run, which ended in the quarter-finals.That figure dropped to £37.5m during the 2022-23 campaign, when they were in the Europa League.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited’s latest annual report reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.”To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham “Moreover, because of the prestige associated with participating in the European competitions, particularly the Champions League, failure to qualify for any European competition could negatively affect our ability to attract and retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners.”Man Utd reported a net loss of £113.2m for the 2023/24 financial year.It takes the club’s losses over three years to £254.7m.While the Red Devils have to qualify for the Champions League next season, they face a huge uphill battle.Erik ten Hag and his players have endured a poor start to the season and sit 12th in the table.The Dutchman’s future is now in doubt, with two huge fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa scheduled for this week.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixtures More

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      Cole Palmer’s Chelsea shirt from four-goal Brighton game put up for auction with fan lodging HUGE bid for sweaty kit

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      COLE PALMER’S shirt from his four-goal thriller against Brighton is set to land a sizeable sum after it was put up for auction.The Chelsea star became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half of a single game.Cole Palmer’s shirt from his four goal showing over Brighton has been put up for saleBids for Palmer’s shirt are already flying inPalmer’s jersey has been listed on MatchWornShirt, with the club promising to make a donation to the Chelsea FC Foundation.It has been provisionally authenticated by Fabricks – the most advanced technology in memorabilia.The description reads: “We will replace these images with photographs as soon as the product arrives for authentication. “It is important to note that there may be minor differences between the actual product and our digital representation of it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”First player to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League game.”One user has already bid £16,000 for the 22 year old’s shirt at the time of writing.That same person, who appears to be from Hong Kong, had initially offered £9,000 and £12,000 for Blue shirt earlier this week.The talented England forward is maintaining the form that saw him register 25 goals for Chelsea last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea fans and collectors are scrambling to get their hands on this piece of football history.Palmer’s shirt is expected to fetch a healthy sum, possibly even breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of £36,000 for a Manchester United jersey worn during his second spell at Old Trafford.Chelsea Player vs Brighton RatingsFans have just four days left to submit their offers, according to the website.Other shirts worn by Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge on Saturday are also listed – but the bids are significantly less than Palmer’s.One eager fan has offered £1,008 for Enzo Fernandez’s shirt.But that’s despite the fact that the Chelsea captain didn’t do anything of note during the club’s 4-2 win over Brighton.The least popular shirt is the kit worn by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, with the highest bid £159.You can have the shirts framed for further cash, with basic prices starting at £207.Selling match worn shirts can be lucrative, with someone once paying £600 for one of Jude Bellingham’s Birmingham City shirts in 2019 – despite the club losing 1-0 to Fulham in the fixture. More

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      Incredible stat shows German press couldn’t be more wrong after they turn on Harry Kane for ‘hanging around alone’

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      A STUNNING stat proves the German press are wrong in their criticism of Harry Kane. The England striker has scored ten goals in seven games for Bayern Munich this season – but a column in the newspaper Bild slammed his performance on Saturday.Harry Kane’s brilliance is being under appreciated by the German mediaCredit: ReutersBayern drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen and Kane made just 13 passes while failing to have a shot before he hobbled off injured with an ankle problem.They accused him of going missing in big games, with a journalist writing: “Lots of effort, too little success. Harry Kane is hanging around alone up front.”What good are three goals against Holstein Kiel if he doesn’t even get a shot on goal in a big game like yesterday?”Fairness dictates that we shouldn’t unleash the Kane-can’t-win-a-title curse now. Especially since he had to leave injured.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut an incredible stat shows that some are taking the ex-Tottenham man’s brilliance for granted.Within the last year, Kane has the most goal involvements across Europe’s five major leagues.He has found the back of the net 38 times and turned provider on 11 occassions.That gives him a stunning 49 goal involvements, putting him above Erling Haaland on 39 and Kylian Mbappe on 37.Most read in BundesligaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn him allegedly not showing up for the big games, Kane scored eight goals in 12 Champions League matches last season, with four coming in the knockout stages.And in the Bundesliga, he scored eight times against last term’s top four finishers Leverkusen, Stuttgart and RB Leipzig.Boy Wonders: Spurs star Will Lankshear the next Harry Kane?Meanwhile, the data on comparing Kane’s goal involvements to others in Europe highlights the incredible rise of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.On 43 and 36 goals and assists respectively, they are now among the best attackers in Europe.The stats do not take into account Euro 2024, which further proves Kane, Palmer and Watkins’ talents as they had a hand in 62.5 per cent of England’s goals at the tournament.Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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      Bournemouth star Julian Araujo celebrates with fans in pub holding a pool cue after Southampton win despite not playing

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      JULIAN ARAUJO fulfilled a promise to Bournemouth fans by celebrating in a pub with them after their win over Southampton.The 23-year-old was signed from Barcelona this summer for a fee of £8.5million.Julian Araujo could be seen celebrating with Bournemouth fans after their win over SouthamptonCredit: @afcbournemouthAraujo has made six appearances since his transfer from BarcelonaCredit: RexThe right-back has featured in five Premier League games for the Cherries so far, but was an unused substitute on the bench as they beat south coast rivals Southampton 3-1 on Monday.Goals from Evanilson, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo before half-time were enough to secure the win despite Taylor Harwood-Bellis pulling one back after the break.And following Bournemouth’s second league win of the season in the derby, Araujo made good on a promise he had made to fans.A video shared on the club’s social media page showed the Mexican surrounded by Bournemouth fans who were singing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe can be seen smiling and waving his hand in the air, while also clutching a pool cue in his left hand.The video was captioned: “‘If we beat Southampton I’ll come back to the pub and celebrate!’ Juliàn Araujo, you are special.”Reacting to his appearance, one social media user said: “Priceless. Need more footballers like this.”A second said: “This is what it’s all about.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third said: “Ah man he did it!!! – what a guy, love him already.”Another said: “Absolutely spectacular.”Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersA fifth said: “This is class.”Araujo had joined Barcelona from LA Galaxy and spent a season on loan at Las Palmas before his transfer to Bournemouth.The win moved Andoni Iraola’s side up to 11th in the league, while Southampton remain 19th with just one point to their name.Bournemouth travel away to Leicester – another team promoted from the Championship last season – in their next match. More

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      Wonderkid once labelled ‘the next Lionel Messi’ completes permanent move despite being outside transfer window

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      FORMER Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join Queens Park Rangers in a permanent deal.The 21-year-old signed for QPR on loan from Ligue 1 side Brest in August and has since made eight first team appearances.Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join QPR on a permanent basisCredit: RexThe winger joined QPR on a season-long loan from Brest in AugustCredit: RexDembele was considered the next Lionel Messi during his time at CelticCredit: The SunDembele has already established himself as a fan favourite, also earning praise from boss Marti Cifuentes.And he will now be awarded with a new deal at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.The winger’s loan has been turned into a permanent move that will come into effect from next summer.Dembele has admitted he is “really happy” with the move and “confident” about the future.Read More in FootballHe told the official QPR website: “I’ve always wanted stability in my career, and this gives me that.”I’m really happy to be here permanently and I’ve also enjoyed playing at Loftus Road – the atmosphere is incredible when there’s a big game.”I’m pleased with the impact I’ve been able to make so far. My goal is to help the team as much as I can – I always want more but I’m pleased with the start I’ve made.”I’m confident there is more to come, from both me and the team. We’ve got a good group and I think we’ve got lots of potential to do well this season.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There is already a growing camaraderie between the new players and the players who were already here. As time goes on and with the more games we play, that will grow even stronger.”We want to finish as high as we can this season and be the best we can be.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDembele gained widespread attention in 2016 after making his debut for Celtic Under-20s aged just 13.He signed his first professional contract two years later and went on to make 10 first team appearances.During his time at Celtic, he was considered the “next Lionel Messi” by fans and one of his former coaches.David Feeney said: “I think he is very similar to Lionel Messi. If he has the right guidance, then the sky is the limit for him.”When his Celtic deal ran down in July 2022, Dembele joined Brest in a free transfer.He was loaned out to Blackpool the following summer, where he scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in 47 League One appearances. More

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      Why Gareth Southgate is perfect fit for Man Utd if they sack Erik ten Hag with former England boss ‘obvious choice’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is the “obvious choice” to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United if he is sacked.That is the opinion of former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole.Gareth Southgate is the ‘obvious choice’ to be the next Man Utd managerCredit: GettyJoe Cole outlined his reasons why the ex-England boss should be the next manager of UnitedCredit: AlamyBut Cole believes Erik ten Hag can leave with his head held highCredit: GettyCole, 42, believes Southgate’s previous links with new Man Utd sporting director Dan Ashworth will help “steady the waters” at the creaking Old Trafford outfit.Speaking to PaddyPower, ahead of United’s trip to Porto this Thursday, Cole said: “Gareth Southgate is the obvious choice for Man Utd. “If you look at the ownership group, with Dan Ashworth – he worked with Southgate at the FA and it actually reminds me a lot with when Gareth took over at England and having to steady the waters.  “The fans weren’t happy, and he managed to galvanise them and it might be the right place at the right time for Gareth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I hate talking about next managers when the manager is still in play but it’s really tough to look at Man Utd and – knowing how football is – know that they must be thinking about doing something. “Erik ten Hag is a top manager, and he’d walk away with his head high and silverware on the table – like he did at Ajax. “He’ll get another job and that might suit his style a bit better.”United have scored just five Premier League goals so far this season to eight conceded, with a record of two wins, one draw and three defeats.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey also failed to beat FC Twente in their opening Europa League match, and now face a tough away test at Porto before travelling to Aston Villa before the international break.Cole reckons that should the axe come down on Ten Hag, the Dutchman will be able to walk away with his head held high.Gareth Southgate drops biggest hint yet over next job amid Man Utd links after stepping down as England managerCole said: “It could be a blessing that Manchester United are playing away from Old Trafford on Thursday [against Porto] in a game when not much will be expected of them.“It’s a really tough part of our job because Erik ten Hag comes to speak to us and he’s always very respectful, he answers the questions, and he doesn’t shy away. But ultimately, it’s just not happening [for him].“If he walks away he walks away from Manchester United in the next few months, he walks with his head held high. “He won silverware and is part of the history but I think the players look like they need a new voice around them.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.“It’s really tough but I’m only going off what I see and how the players are reacting. “The body language, they look lost and it’s hard because it’s Erik ten Hag’s team not doing well. “He’s got a fantastic but tough job and he’s a nice guy but I just think it may have run its course.”On the game against Porto this week, Cole added: “The problem with Manchester United coming to town, is when they’re a wounded animal, the name is still Manchester United. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Porto players will be up for it, the manager and fans will be too and the whole place will be a cauldron. “I’ve played there and it’s a tough place and I can only see a Porto win, I really can. I’d go with 3-1 Porto.”Southgate turned England from deluded group of individuals into heroes who love pulling on white shirt, writes Charlie WyettGARETH SOUTHGATE won nothing but changed everything, writes Charlie Wyett.The decision for him to resign is the correct one but Southgate leaves a legacy which will hugely benefit his successor.So how will he be viewed in history? It might be kinder in a few years’ time.At the moment, there is still so much frustration at the way it all ended in Berlin.Yet Southgate is second only to Sir Alf Ramsey in terms of overall success and no other manager gets close.To get to two major finals — one on foreign soil for the first time — was a huge achievement.So was the overhaul of a dysfunctional football team which had just lost to Iceland at Euro 2016.The players were so paranoid they even refused to tell us in France who was the best at playing table tennis.That deluded group of individuals thought everyone was against them — and they weren’t.Southgate changed all that with a far more grown-up approach.He encouraged the players to tell their own story, to express themselves, and he got rid of a siege mentality that did not need to exist.Former manager Fabio Capello used to moan that the England team played with fear.Under Southgate, players loved pulling on that white shirt.There were no more cliques, no more egos and no more pulling out of squads with dubious injuries which then cleared up by the next Prem game.Southgate created a club atmosphere within the England team and now you only have to look at the pictures each time the players greet each other at St George’s Park.They are all mates, pulling together in the same direction, as it should be.Southgate has been a class act and he leaves with his head held high.England just fell short with him in charge. There’s no denying that.But let’s hope Southgate will still get the respect he deserves and is remembered as the man who did, indeed, change everything.Read Charlie Wyett’s full article on Gareth Southgate.Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 columns. More

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      Jamie Carragher slams £43m Man Utd new boy over tactical blunder vs Spurs and says ‘I don’t understand’ why he does it

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has slammed Manchester United’s £43million signing Matthijs de Ligt for his performance against Tottenham.The Liverpool legend and pundit questioned why De Ligt seems to be “out of position all the time” after United were thrashed 3-0 by Spurs.Jamie Carragher has laid into Matthijs de Ligt for his defending against SpursCarragher provided the analysis on Monday Night FootballErik ten Hag was reunited with his former Ajax defenders De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich this summer, after the club finished eighth last term.But De Ligt has endured a tough start at Old Trafford.He is part of a back four which has conceded three goals in consecutive home matches, having also struggled in United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.The defence looked as leaky as ever against Spurs, who burst through United with ease and rained shots down on keeper Andre Onana’s goal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Sky Sports pundit Carragher has singled out De Ligt by launching a scathing attack on his inability to smell the danger in Tottenham’s attacks.When analysing a chance for Timo Werner, Carragher said: “The rest of the defence is awful, it always has been when they lose possession.”But where’s De Ligt? The right-back has come out here but look where De Ligt is! You’ve got to get over.”Two massive chances and the goal, De Ligt, a player they brought in for huge money, is completely out of position all the time.Most read in FootballDe Ligt has endured a tough start at Old TraffordAs United suffered back-to-back 3-0 home defeats in the PremFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So he ends up having to go flying into challenge and then you leave yourself in a situation where you can get yellow cards and red cards.”Carragher then condemned De Ligt for his positioning during Brennan Johnson’s opener – born from a stunning 70-yard run from Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Carragher said: “I’ve noticed this a little bit with De Ligt and a lot of centre-backs. “I don’t understand why they don’t fill the space and come over – I see this so much.”The striker behind him has got nothing to do with him. That is Lisandro Martinez’s job. If De Ligt goes over, Martinez comes across.”Now again he’s actually looking over his shoulder here – forget that. Forget it, get here to the right-hand side!”It was a brilliant run, it was amazing, but Van de Ven runs because he sees the space.”Meanwhile, United legend Paul Scholes has backed Carragher’s claims.He told Premier League Productions: “When you bring players in, you expect them to be a lot better than who you’ve already got. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t see players coming in who are a big difference. De Ligt has come in for Maguire, let’s say, but there’s no big difference there.”United sit 13th in the Prem after winning just two of their first six games, with three defeats along the way.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Cole Palmer hailed as ‘genuinely the best player on the planet’ as incredible goal involvement stats revealed

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      COLE PALMER has been hailed as the “best player on the planet” after his unbelievable goal involvement stats were laid bare.The Chelsea star scored all FOUR goals in his side’s 4-2 win over Brighton to leave Blues fans believing that the club have finally turned a corner.Cole Palmer has been coined the ‘best player on the planet’ by fansHarry Kane has the most goal involvements of any player in Europe since September 2023His latest heroics, which saw him smash a Prem record for the most goals scored before half-time, has propelled him into elite company.His Brighton display meant Palmer has now registered 43 goal involvements for Chelsea since joining last summer – the second most of any player in Europe’s top leagues.That number is only bettered by Harry Kane at Bayern Munich – who has 49 involvements through 38 goals and 11 assists.Palmer has scored an astonishing 28 goals – only six behind Erling Haaland – and provided 15 assists, which is the most of all.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSManchester City striker Haaland is next on the list with 34 goals and five assists amounting to 39 involvements.While Ollie Watkins’ 36 contributions leaves him with the fifth most, and one point behind Kylian Mbappe in fourth.The stats have been counted from September 2023.But fans were in awe of Palmer’s achievements, with one writing on X: “He’s genuinely the best player on the planet.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another said: “Palmer is currently the best player in the world.”A third wrote: “For Palmer to do this without European football is unbelievable. No one can touch him right now.”Chelsea star Cole Palmer casually reveals he has been ‘messing about’ on free-kicks before incredible set-piece goalPalmer was left out of Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad this season to prioritise resting him for the Prem amid the new busier schedules of European league phase football.And Chelsea did not play in the Europe at all last term after finishing 12th in the 2022-23 campaign.Meanwhile, eagle-eyed fans were quick to highlight the three Ballon d’Or contenders who rank MILES below Palmer in goal involvements.One wrote: “A certain Ballon d’Or favourite is down in 16th” referring to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.Meanwhile Jude Bellingham is currently 39th in the list behind PFA Player of the Year Phil Foden in 21st.Vinicius Junior is among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or on October 28Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler admitted that Palmer is the best individual that Brighton have faced this season.The Seagulls have already played Arsenal and Manchester United, taking points away from both, but suffered their first loss of the season at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also echoed those same sentiments after his side climbed to fourth in the table.Maresca said: “Goals, assists, best player in the Premier League, this doesn’t change the way he is. “He’s a simple guy, a humble guy, and this is the most important thing.”‘Go on YouTube’CHELSEA star Cole Palmer picked a shock Premier League cult hero when asked who he would choose to take a penalty to save his life.Palmer, 22, is a spot-kick expert having scored every one of the 15 he has taken during his stellar four-year career so far.However, if his life depended on it, the winger would choose someone else to step up to the plate and take a penalty for him – and it is no ordinary pick.The ex-Manchester City star would go with none other than Mario Balotelli as he remembers how dominant he was when it was just him and the opposing goalkeeper.Check out why Palmer would pick Balotelli here.The 22-year-old has been in sensational form since his £40million switch from City last summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland fans were calling for Palmer to start during the nation’s run to the Euro 2024 final, but he was limited to appearances from the bench.Nonetheless, he scored England’s only goal in their 2-1 final defeat to Spain, and assisted Watkins’ late winner in the semi-final win over the Netherlands. More