"I’m not joking, mark my words” - Pundit names club where Cole Palmer will end up after leaving Chelsea; backs him to win Ballon d’Or

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been backed by pundit Andy Goldstein to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and win the Ballon d'Or in the next three years. The host of talkSPORT Drive was effusive in his praise of the England winger during his show.

Cole Palmer moved to Chelsea last summer in search of more first-team action, having found himself playing second fiddle to Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva at Manchester City. The 22-year-old has taken the league by storm ever since sealing his £40 million move to Stamford Bridge.

In just 53 matches with Chelsea, Palmer has scored 31 goals and provided 19 assists. He is considered one of the most feared attacking players in the league.

Most recently, the mercurial attacker scored a record-breaking four first-half goals against Brighton & Hove Albion to help his side win 4-2 at home. Cole Palmer's performances at the weekend prompted talkSPORT Drive host Andy Goldstein to wax lyrical about him and back him for the Ballon d'Or.

Speaking on his show, Goldstein said:

"I think he’s got an unbelievable future ahead of him."

The host made three bold predictions regarding Palmer's future including a move to 15-time European champions Real Madrid.

"He’ll end up at Real Madrid, he’ll be one of England’s greatest ever players and he will win the Ballon d’Or. I’m not joking, he will win the Ballon d’Or in the next three years – mark my words, by the time he’s 25," he claimed.

Palmer has started this season in grand fashion, scoring six goals and setting up another four in six matches in the league. With his team also on the road to recovery under new manager Enzo Maresca, Goldstein's prediction might turn out to be true.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer in the race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award

Last month, the 30-man shortlist for the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy was announced. For the first time in two decades, it did not feature either of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. One player who did feature in the list was Chelsea youngster Cole Palmer, who had a stellar debut season with the Blues.

Although Chelsea failed to qualify for the Champions League or win any trophies, Palmer stood head and shoulders above his teammates. The England international scored 25 goals and provided a further 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions last season.

Although he is in the running for the Ballon d'Or, he is expected to miss out, with the likes of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Rodri among the favorites.