OPINION
Newcastle United must regret never acting on their interest in Chelsea playmaker Kasey Palmer as he has wowed at Bristol City this season.
The Daily Mail reported last summer that the Magpies were keen on the 22-year-old attacking midfielder as they had been keeping an eye on his situation with him looking likely to depart Stamford Bridge.
However Rafa Benitez’s side never appeared to make a concrete move for Palmer and he ended up going on loan to Blackburn Rovers.
The 22-year-old didn’t overly excel at Ewood Park, making 17 appearances, and only showed glimpses of his vast potential.
Due to this Palmer ended up leaving them in order to embark on another loan spell with Bristol City.
Under Lee Johnson’s guidance the playmaker’s potential has been truly unlocked and he has wowed in 2018/19 campaign ever since.
Palmer has scored one goal in 10 outings for Bristol City and has played a vital part in their push for promotion.
The 22-year-old’s passing ability is a joy to behold, he links up the attack with midfield beautifully and he deals with the physicality of the Championship like it isn’t even an issue.
In fact Palmer has impressed so much that Bristol City are even set to sign him for £4million from Chelsea this summer, according to The Sun, and that is a bargain price to pay.
While the deal isn’t over the line and confirmed, you feel Palmer will not be tempted to join any other club after seeing his true potential unlocked at Bristol City.
Given that Palmer looks capable of being a creative force, something Benitez’s side could do with, and his age implies he will only get better than surely the Magpies must be effectively kicking themselves over just keeping tabs on him in 2018.
