Chelsea Transfer News: Club ‘Concerned’ About The Future Of Highly Sought-After 24-Year-Old
Chelsea Transfer News: Club ‘Concerned’ About The Future Of Highly Sought-After 24-Year-Old
Chelsea reportedly have concerns about how the transfer saga involving Conor Gallagher might unfold during the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old played a key role for the Blues in the 2023-24 season, starting all but one of their 38 Premier League games and helping the team secure sixth place.
Gallagher also served as captain for most of those matches, but speculation remains that his progress at his boyhood club could be cut short by the club’s co-owners. Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have shown little interest in extending Gallagher’s contract beyond 2025, preferring instead to sell him to improve the club’s standing with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.
A price tag of around £50m has reportedly been set for Gallagher, but it is uncertain whether any clubs would consider paying that amount for a player who would be available on a free transfer in 12 months.
Boehly and Clearlake Concerned Over Gallagher’s Future
Reports suggest that Conor Gallagher is attracting interest from clubs such as Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atletico Madrid. Despite this, Gallagher reportedly prefers to stay at Stamford Bridge and isn’t eager to jump at just any opportunity.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea officials are worried that Gallagher might wait until his contract expires next summer, leaving for free. The report indicates that Gallagher wants to control his own future rather than being pushed out by Chelsea to balance the books.
Additionally, foreign clubs can begin discussions with Gallagher about a pre-contract agreement starting in January, giving him even more reason to remain patient.
What is the most likely outcome?
From Chelsea’s perspective, selling Gallagher before June 30, the deadline for the next accounts to be filed, would be ideal. However, with Gallagher now focused on his England duties at Euro 2024, it’s unlikely he will engage in transfer talks, especially since he doesn’t want to leave Chelsea.
Given his contractual situation, even a strong performance in Germany won’t significantly increase his price tag. Chelsea might feel constrained in handling the situation.
The club could address the issue by selling other players and offering Gallagher a new contract. However, recent reports suggest uncertainty about whether he fits into the possession-based tactics of new head coach Enzo Maresca.
