As reported by Sky Sports, Conor Gallagher could be nearing a departure from Chelsea, who have told the England international he will just be a ‘squad player’ next season under Enzo Maresca.
Despite offering Gallagher multiple improved contracts terms this summer, The Blues have already agreed to a £34m deal with Atlético Madrid for the midfielder, but the player is yet to settle on personal terms and, with his contract up next June, it is now time for him to decide his future.
Having been at the Cobham academy since he was a boy, it is believed that the 24-year-old is open to penning onto a new long-term deal with Chelsea. However, with Enzo Maresca‘s possession-based style not suiting Gallagher’s skillset, Chelsea respect his playing time and are wary of jeopardizing his future, so therefore have only offered a three-year deal (two plus an option of one), which the Englishman has subsequently turned down.
A longer term contract – such as the seven-years offered to the likes of Moisés Caicedo, Mykhailo Mudryk, and others – could also impact Chelsea financially, whereas selling Gallagher would help alleviate PSR concerns; due to the academy graduate attaining zero book value, and thus allowing the club to book a straight profit in their accounts in the event of his sale.
Add to this the West London club’s desire to sell abroad, rather than to a Premier League rival (such as the interested Tottenham Hotspur) and Gallagher’s move from Stamford Bridge to the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano looks increasingly likely.
This is despite the England international being a pivotal part of his boyhood side’s team last season – accumulating five goals and seven assists and playing more league minutes than any of his teammates under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, as mentioned, Gallagher is unlikely to have the same involvement this coming campaign for his new Italian manager, both due to the changed playing style and the raft of midfielders on Chelsea’s books. In addition to the circa £250m previously spent by owners BlueCo on Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Roméo Lavia, they have also brought in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for £30m this summer, after the 25-year-old contributed 26 goals under Maresca for Championship winners Leicester City last season.
Whether it be with or without Gallagher, Maresca will face what is the toughest possible start to his managerial career in the English top flight, as Chelsea host champions Manchester City on Sunday August 18.
Travis Levison | Get Football
