Xabi Alonso says Cole Palmer will be a ‘top-class player for many years’ and expressed his happiness that the 24-year-old has signed a new eight-year contract with the Blues.

Palmer has blossomed into one of the world’s finest attacking players since joining the Blues and it was confirmed today that the England international had agreed a new deal until 2034.

He followed that announcement by starting against Bournemouth this afternoon and claiming an assist for Jordan Henderson in our 5-1 victory.

Following our win, Alonso emphasised the important role Palmer will continue to play in the Blues’ present and future.


‘I am happy for him and very happy for the club as well, and I’m sure the fans are delighted we have Cole for many years,' said Alonso.

'We need to push him and help him and make sure these years have success. We are building and he is important in everything in that.

‘When a player is young, you want to keep the best ones for years. We believe that Cole is going to be a top-class player for many years, so the longer we ensure he is here, the better.’

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