Chelsea making the WRONG Conor Gallagher decision
Robin Bairner
- 6 Oct 2023 09:54 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea are seeking to end the uncertainty surrounding the future of midfielder Conor Gallagher by tying him down to a new long-term contract.
The Blues midfielder was wanted by both West Ham and Tottenham during the summer transfer window, with bids of €46 million (£40m) reportedly lodged for the England star, but these were knocked back. Brighton were also linked with a move.
Chelsea, though, have plenty of competition for spaces in their midfield, with Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia all having arrived in 2023 for big money.
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For Gallagher, meanwhile, it is time to stick or twice. He is out of contract in 2025, meaning that next summer will be the last chance for the Stamford Bridge side to get anything like market value for the 23-year-old, who presently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €27m.
So what should the Blues do?
According to data analytics experts SciSports, Gallagher is one of Chelsea’s better players.
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Not only is he their second-strongest central midfielder, according to their ratings, which are based on hundreds of in-game data points, but he also has the potential to grow into a key player for the Stamford Bridge club.
Somewhat surprisingly, Gallagher, who came through the Blues’ academy, is predicted to have a higher ceiling than even Enzo Fernadez, who the Blues spent a record €121 million on in January.
Indeed, if Chelsea are seeking a balance in the midfield area between a sitting player and one who is more forward thinking, it is clear that Gallagher is their best option to play alongside Moises Caicedo.
Here, though, is where Chelsea have a decision to make.
Chelsea need to upgrade midfield
Although Gallagher is presently one of the Blues’ stronger midfielders, this is a weak area for Chelsea compared to the Premier League’s elite teams.
At Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United, Gallagher would rate as only fifth choice, at Arsenal he would only be their sixth-strongest player. Even Tottenham have James Maddison, Rodrigo Betancur and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg rated ahead of him.
On top of this, Chelsea’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) standing would be significantly boosted if he is sold.
If the Blues are serious about returning to the elite group of Premier League teams, big decisions need to be made, with an upgrade in the midfield required.
Gallagher is a solid player, but he wouldn’t get a look in at the teams Chelsea are aspiring to compete with. It’s time to let him go.
