Pure profit? Chelsea would be FOOLISH to sell Chalobah & Gallagher

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 3 May 2024 09:24 CDT
• 4 min read

Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah have both been heavily linked with a Chelsea exit in recent months, but the Blues would be extremely foolish to let either player leave this summer.

Since Clearlake Capital’s arrival, Chelsea have seemingly been obsessed with the idea of ‘pure profit’ - which is generated by selling your academy stars.

The Blues have one of the very best academies in world football, yet they appear determined to sell almost every youngster who makes it into the first-team.

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Reece James and Levi Colwill are the only exceptions, with Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek departing last summer, and Gallagher and Chalobah potentially joining them this year.

Furthermore, Lewis Hall’s loan move to Newcastle United will be made permanent once the summer transfer window opens, while Ian Maatsen is also expected to leave Stamford Bridge for good as Borussia Dortmund eye up a big-money move.

However, Chelsea’s obsession with ‘pure profit’ needs to end.

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Why Chelsea can’t sell Conor Gallagher or Trevoh Chalobah

Simply put, Gallagher and Chalobah are far too valuable to sell. They are unlikely to make Chelsea regret a sale like Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah have done in the past, but they are two reliable players who are good enough to play for Chelsea.

Since netting his first goal of the season against Aston Villa, Gallagher has nine goal contributions in just 15 games, while his defensive work rate has remained excellent. He is a polarising figure among some Chelsea fans, given his slight lack of technical proficiency, but he is evidently a key player for Mauricio Pochettino and he clearly loves the club.

The same can be said for Chalobah, who looked out in the cold earlier this season but has risen to prominence since returning from injury in 2024.

The purchase of Axel Disasi last summer was always slightly puzzling given Chalobah is the better player and the Englishman has proven that fact in recent weeks. His performance against Tottenham Hotspur was sublime, with the Cobham graduate netting his first goal of the season and helping to shut down every single Spurs attack.

Chalobah is arguably Chelsea’s most consistent centre-back and selling him would be a completely pointless endeavour. He is comfortable on the ball, able to play at right-back and has years of experience within the club’s set-up.

Gallagher and Chalobah won’t receive the high-profile praise of a €50m new signing, but they are more than good enough to play for Chelsea and the Blues would be foolish to sell either player this summer.