Shocking secret clause binding Cole Palmer

This information is reassuring fans amid speculation about the possibility of "fleeing" of key players.

Contrary to popular belief, Palmer and his Chelsea teammates' contracts do not contain any 'break' clauses relating to European football, a new report has confirmed.

After a promising start under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have shown signs of slowing down in recent weeks. Having been second at Christmas, just four points behind Liverpool, defeat to Brighton has seen the Blues drop to sixth in the table.

Having won just two of their last nine games, Chelsea are facing a wave of speculation over the futures of several key players. The club have signed long-term contracts with a number of performance "incentive" clauses, but according to journalist Ben Jacobs, there are no clauses that would allow players to leave for free for a reduced fee if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League.

While some clubs have "secret" agreements with players, allowing them to leave at a preferential price if the team fails to achieve its goals (typically the case of Alexander Isak at Newcastle United), Chelsea do not structure their contracts in that direction, because their goal is not simply to win a Champions League ticket immediately.

Coach Enzo Maresca once shared in an interview with Sky Sports: "The board set a target to qualify for the Champions League within two years. If we achieve that in the first season, it would be great."

Not only the future of the players, but also the position of coach Maresca is being questioned after a series of unsuccessful matches. However, Chelsea still shows absolute trust in the Italian strategist.

Despite the difficulties in terms of personnel, Chelsea still has a chance to compete for a position in the top 4, and the club's board of directors has no intention of changing the "captain" at this time.