Can’t Still Believe They Sold Out Quality Player Like That to Keep the Likes of Grealish and Doku

Frank Lampard has never been one to hold back when it comes to speaking his mind, and this time, his sharp words have sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The former Chelsea boss and Premier League icon has taken aim at Manchester City’s recent transfer decision—a move he believes could go down as one of the most baffling mistakes in modern football. His target? The sale of a highly gifted young star who is now setting the Premier League alight in Chelsea blue.

Although Lampard didn’t mention names directly, fans and pundits alike were quick to draw the lines—this was clearly about Cole Palmer. The same Cole Palmer who came through Manchester City’s youth ranks, showed flashes of brilliance under Pep Guardiola, but was allowed to leave the Etihad for Stamford Bridge. And now, under the bright lights of Chelsea, he’s proving exactly why Lampard and others are furious.

In his explosive statement, Lampard didn’t mince words. “I still can’t believe they sold off a quality player like that to keep the likes of Grealish and Doku,” he said. “This has to be the most outrageous mistake ever made in football history!” It’s not just a criticism—it’s a damning indictment of the judgment within City’s recruitment and retention strategy.

Palmer’s form at Chelsea this season has been nothing short of exceptional. He’s scoring goals, creating chances, and playing with a maturity far beyond his years. His ability to glide past defenders, pick the right pass, and finish clinically has made him indispensable to Chelsea’s attack—a team that desperately needed a player of his profile. But to think that he could still be doing this in Manchester blue? That’s what’s stinging City fans the most.

The debate grows even louder when you stack Palmer’s contributions against those of Jack Grealish and Jérémy Doku. Grealish, a £100 million signing from Aston Villa, continues to divide opinion. Though undeniably talented, his lack of consistent end product—goals, assists, and decisive contributions—has made him a target for critics. His moments of brilliance are often lost in stretches of anonymity.

Doku, on the other hand, came with much promise and technical flair. The Belgian winger can dazzle defenders with his dribbling and pace, but like Grealish, has struggled with consistency. Injuries and inconsistent performances have hampered his impact, and despite his potential, he hasn’t yet lived up to the hype surrounding his signing.

In contrast, Palmer has exploded into form. Week after week, he’s putting in performances that make it harder to understand why City let him go. Whether it’s his calmness in front of goal or his knack for unlocking stubborn defences, he’s proving to be the player City perhaps needed all along—especially in tight games where invention and hunger matter most.

Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, and for good reason. His tactical brilliance and squad-building genius have won City countless trophies. But even the best get it wrong sometimes. And the Palmer decision might just be one of those rare miscalculations—one that Guardiola might look back on with regret.

There’s also the wider context to consider. Manchester City, like many elite clubs, often faces the dilemma of balancing proven stars with emerging talents. In chasing immediate success, there’s sometimes a tendency to undervalue homegrown prospects. Palmer might just be the latest name on a growing list of young stars City let slip through their fingers—players who could have been long-term assets but weren’t given the platform to shine.

Fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration. Many believe Palmer wasn’t given enough time or trust at City, especially when the team was still figuring out its wide attacking roles. Others argue that had Palmer been given the same run of games as Grealish or Doku, he would have easily made one of the wing positions his own.

Another layer to this saga is Palmer’s mentality. At Chelsea, he’s embraced the challenge of leading from the front. He’s shown resilience, maturity, and leadership—a sign of a player who was perhaps ready for the responsibility all along. That’s something City may have overlooked, and it’s now coming back to haunt them.

Could City try to bring Palmer back someday? It’s highly unlikely given the nature of his move and the role he’s carved out at Chelsea. But the fact that fans and pundits are even discussing a return speaks volumes about the magnitude of the decision and how it continues to echo around the league.

Lampard’s remarks have brought this conversation back to the forefront. As someone who knows what it takes to succeed at the top level and has mentored young stars himself, his views resonate deeply. He’s seen up close what Palmer can do—and he’s frustrated that a player of such quality was sacrificed to accommodate others who are yet to justify their billing.

City now face the uncomfortable reality of watching their former player thrive while their current wingers struggle to convince. It’s a situation that doesn’t just call their transfer policy into question—it challenges their identity. Are they a club that trusts youth, or one that favors flashy signings regardless of output?

As the season rolls on, every Palmer goal, every assist, every standout display will feel like a quiet indictment of City’s decision. Chelsea, on the other hand, will be all smiles, knowing they secured one of the league’s most electrifying young talents without much of a fight.

In the end, Lampard’s outburst may be the spark that forces Manchester City to re-evaluate their long-term planning. Will they learn from this misstep, or is Palmer just another name on a growing list of regrets? Either way, one thing is clear—City’s loss is Chelsea’s massive gain.

And for the fans who still “can’t believe they sold out quality player like that to keep the likes of Grealish and Doku”—you’re not alone. Frank Lampard’s with you.