With a wealth of talent available in the Chelsea squad right now, it has been suggested that Conor Gallagher could look to leave the club in January if he ends up losing his place in the starting lineup to Romeo Lavia.
Over the summer, it was reported that Conor Gallagher was deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ by Chelsea, and it was suggested that both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham were keen on signing the England midfielder from their London rivals (Evening Standard).
Despite a bid of £37m plus add-ons from the Hammers (Jacob Steinberg) and continued speculation surrounding an approach from Spurs, Chelsea decided to keep hold of Gallagher.
The 23-year-old has since started all six games for Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino so far this season (Transfermarkt).
However, that may be largely down to the fact that new signing, Romeo Lavia has been injured since joining the club. Fellow midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has also suffered an injury, allowing Gallagher to continue his run in the team.
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – JULY 19: Conor Gallagher of Chelsea applauds the fans after the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chelsea FC and Wrexham at Kenan Stadium on July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Will Conor Gallagher leave Chelsea?
It has now been suggested by Football Insider that, once Chelsea have players back from injury, Gallagher could slip down the pecking order and look to leave the club.
It is thought Gallagher is currently happy as he is a “regular for club and country at present.” However, sources claim the midfielder could “change his stance” by the time January comes around if he were to lose his place in the starting lineup.
Apparently, with international aspirations in mind, Gallagher “recognises the need for regular first-team football.”
Spurs Web Opinion
With no European football to think about, Chelsea players will find game time limited this season, and Gallagher will have a tough decision to make if he does lose his place.
I think it’s pretty clear he doesn’t want to leave the club, but his hand could be forced if and when Lavia replaces him.
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