Does Gallagher have a future at Chelsea?

James Shearman

• Updated: 16 Apr 2022 13:57 BST
• 3 min read

Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher hopes to play for Chelsea next season on the back of a successful Premier League loan.

Gallagher came through the Blues' academy, enjoying loan spells at Charlton, Swansea and West Brom, before this season's move to Patrick Vieira's new-look Palace side.

The 22-year-old has managed 8 goals and three assists so far in the Premier League, helping the Eagles into the top half of the table.

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He has also played a large part in Palace's FA Cup run. They face Chelsea in the semi-final on Sunday.

But, Gallagher is not allowed to play in the fixture, given he is up against his parent club.

Thomas Tuchel apologised for the situation before revealing his plans for the midfielder's future at Stamford Bridge.

Does Gallagher have a future at Chelsea?

''I believe Conor can be a part of our squad [next season] and can play a role with us," Tuchel said in his latest press conference.

''But I am not the only one to decide. We need to speak after the season with everybody, speak after the season about what Conor wants, and we need to see what the situation is and what role we have for him that he can fight for.

''There needs to be something to fight for, a role and perspective of where you are, where you can be, what you need to achieve. So we have to be very clear with him, and he needs to be clear with us. Then we will sort it out.''

Now, given the depth of Chelsea's squad, breaking into the first-team picture will be a struggle for Gallagher.

N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all on the books for next season in the central midfield position.

However, one positive is that the member of that quartet that he is most similar to (Kante) is also the most injury prone and has shown signs of declination.

There is a real possibility that Gallagher is molded into the next version of the Frenchman in the 2022-23 season and then takes over the role completely after that.

But, even if that is not the role that Tuchel sees fit, his inclusion in the squad for years to come seems inevitable.

''His development is extraordinary and outstanding. He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and made a huge step in his development upfront,'' added the German boss.

''He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, energy in general, and such a work rate to give that he can have a big influence.''