Cole Palmer backs Chelsea prodigy Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli for first-team breakthrough

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has made a big claim about teenage sensation Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.

The Blues are preparing to take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Sydney Super Cup, and the England international has tipped the 16-year-old for greatness.

Palmer spoke alongside manager Xabi Alonso at the press conference ahead of Saturday’s game, and was asked about Nicoll-Jazuli.

According to Palmer, the young midfielder has all the qualities required to make it as a first-team player at the club.

“He’s funny,” Palmer said. “He’s confident. He’s only 16. But he’s got all the attributes to play at this club. Even next season he could possibly be ready.

“It’s on him if he wants to work hard and keep his focus. But he definitely has all the talents to do what he wants.”

Palmer’s endorsement speaks volumes for Nicoll-Jazuli

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is one of two 16-year-olds, alongside Reggie Watson, who is on tour with Chelsea.

The England youth international has been at the club since he was six years old, and has climbed through the ranks.

He was officially promoted to the Under-18 team at the start of the 2025-26 season, and impressed so much that he played for the U21 team.

Nicoll-Jazuli holds the record as the club’s youngest starter in the UEFA Youth League, with his first start in the competition coming as a 15-year-old last season.

He was regularly called up to train with the senior team, an indicator of how he is rated internally.

Chelsea have rewarded his consistent academy displays with a pre-agreement for his professional contract with the club, which he will sign when he turns 17 in January 2027.

The club finalised an agreement amid heavy interest from clubs around Europe, as per The Athletic.

He is among the club’s scholars for the 2026-27 season and will transition from a scholarship to a professional contract in January.

Nicoll-Jazuli has impressed Alonso. He praised him ahead of the friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers earlier this week.

He was also praised by Levi Colwill and impressed in midfield when called upon as a substitute against the Australian side. A competitive debut this season is a real possibility.