Middlesbrough duo attracting interest from Chelsea and Premier League clubs | OneFootball

Middlesbrough duo attracting interest from Chelsea and Premier League clubs | OneFootball

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·17 February 2025

Middlesbrough duo attracting interest from Chelsea and Premier League clubs

Article image:Middlesbrough duo attracting interest from Chelsea and Premier League clubs

Chelsea and Tottenham Eye Middlesbrough’s Highly Rated Palmer Twins

Rising Stars from the Riverside

Chelsea are monitoring Middlesbrough’s teenage prospects, Bailey and Anton Palmer, as reported by TBR Football. The 16-year-old midfielders have been making waves at Boro’s academy, with Bailey already earning a place on the first-team bench under Michael Carrick.

Their rapid development has not gone unnoticed. Both have been named in England U17 squads, confirming their status as two of the brightest young prospects in the country. Naturally, this has sparked interest from top Premier League clubs, with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton also in the mix for their signatures.


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A Growing Race for Their Signatures

Chelsea’s academy has a strong track record of developing young English talent, making them an attractive option for the Palmer twins. However, they face fierce competition. TBR Football reports that “Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton are very keen on persuading Bailey and Anton Palmer to leave Middlesbrough this summer.”

Article image:Middlesbrough duo attracting interest from Chelsea and Premier League clubs

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With Bailey already gaining first-team exposure—having been named on the bench against West Brom, Preston and Blackburn—the signs are promising for his future at the highest level. Meanwhile, Anton has made four appearances for England’s U17s this season, further enhancing his reputation.

Middlesbrough’s Challenge to Keep Them

Middlesbrough will be desperate to retain the Palmer twins, especially given their long-standing reputation for developing top young talents. However, the lure of Premier League football and world-class facilities could prove difficult to resist.

As Chelsea and Tottenham intensify their interest, Middlesbrough will have to present a strong case to keep them at the Riverside. With elite clubs circling, the Palmer twins’ future looks set to be one of the key talking points of the summer transfer window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Chelsea fans, this report is a glimpse into the club’s continued push to dominate the youth market. The Palmer twins fit the profile of players Chelsea have historically targeted—technically gifted, tactically mature beyond their years, and already making waves in England’s youth system.

What excites most supporters is how Chelsea have positioned themselves as a top destination for young talent. The development pathways at Cobham have produced elite-level stars, from Reece James to Mason Mount, and the Palmer twins could be the next to benefit from that system.

Competition from Tottenham and Aston Villa is expected, but Chelsea’s project is an attractive one. The prospect of training at world-class facilities, alongside some of the best young players in Europe, is something few clubs can offer at the same level.

There is always a risk when signing young players, but Chelsea’s track record shows they rarely get these calls wrong. If Bailey and Anton Palmer decide to make the switch, it could be a major coup for the club’s long-term future.

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