Popular Chelsea pair 'vulnerable' to ruthless sale after Pochettino exit

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 May 2024 09:21 BST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino's departure from Chelsea spells bad news for Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher, according to a report.

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The Argentine coach had been the fiercest protector of the two homegrown stars, heavily relying on Gallagher for the entire season and also frequently using Chalobah once he regained his fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.

Indeed, both players had already faced the axe last summer but no transfers ultimately materialised. Liverpool and Tottenham were tentatively linked with Gallagher but the Reds ultimately signed four different midfielders. Nottingham Forest had been keen on Chalobah but he was not keen on them. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, couldn't reach an agreement with Chelsea for his transfer.

For months it has been known that the two are still earmarked to be sold this summer in Chelsea's bid to raise 'pure profit' to ease any concerns regarding the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Pochettino, however, had no intention to see them depart.

Pair vulnerable after Pochettino exit

Indeed, it had frequently been claimed that Pochettino was prepared to take on the Chelsea hierarchy to stop them from at least selling Gallagher after the 24-year-old had become one of the club's key players and occasional captain.

The Evening Standard now echoes this, reporting that the 52-year-old was "ready to fight hard to keep Gallagher and Chalobah at the club." However, Pochettino's exit by mutual consent - informed, in part, by Chelsea's unwillingness to grant him more control over transfers - has now left the homegrown pair 'vulnerable.'

In fact, the above-mentioned report states that Chelsea are actively trying to push Chalobah and Gallagher out of the club as they need to comply with PSR by June 30. Neither player, however, has any desire to depart, with defensive allrounder Chalobah only willing to consider a move to a side playing European football amid links to Fulham.