Cole Palmer “asked for a meeting” with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola over the summer to determine how much first-team football he would play this season, according to TEAMTalk.

The website claims that Guardiola could not give any guarantees about game time and that led to the player seeking a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

Palmer sealed a £42.5m switch to Chelsea before deadline day at the start of this month, with many City supporters unhappy that the academy product was let go.

From Guardiola’s perspective, it is entirely understandable why he refused to give any assurances about first-team football.

The Citizens boss doesn’t even offer guarantees to senior players about whether they will be picked or not. He has even dropped the likes of Kevin De Bruyne in the past for underperforming. There was, therefore, never any chance that Palmer would get what he wanted.

Palmer could have been more patient

When Phil Foden was breaking into the first team a few years ago, there was a clamour from fans for the player to start games every week, but Guardiola wanted the midfielder to prove himself and earn his opportunities.

Despite Foden clearly being frustrated at times, he stuck things out and became an important player. Palmer clearly didn’t have the same patience.

TEAMTalk claim that Guardiola is “disappointed” that the 21-year-old didn’t want to stay and fight for his place, but the winger was clearly desperate to play as much as possible. He may come to regret his decision.

City will be hoping Doku’s arrival can make up for Palmer’s departure

Although they are slightly different players, Doku’s transfer from Rennes to the Etihad was clearly in anticipation of Palmer leaving.

The Belgian international looked lively on his debut against Fulham last weekend, but it will be hoped that he can provide more end product in future matches.

Can Phil Foden fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne? Watch this programme on Shots! TV