Chelsea Open to Conor Gallagher Exit Amidst Transfer Speculation
Posted By Sammy Legals
January 5, 2024
6:38 pm
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Chelsea is reportedly considering retaining Conor Gallagher but is willing to entertain offers that reach £60m, as his contract expires in 2025 and talks for a new deal have yet to progress.
Following the club’s policy to avoid potential cut-price or free transfers, Chelsea is open to bids, with a suggested package between £55m and £60m.
The current price is deterring interested clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, who had a planned £35m offer fall short in the summer.
Mauricio Pochettino desires Gallagher to stay due to his impressive performances and leadership role in the team.
When Mauricio Pochettino joined Chelsea in May 2023 on an initial two-year contract with an option for a third, an appraisal was pre-planned for the following summer to evaluate the season. This reflects the owners’ approach to assessing the manager as the project evolves under an initial four-window plan leading to summer 2024.
Chelsea currently occupies the tenth position in the Premier League, and Pochettino recognizes that retaining Conor Gallagher would be beneficial for both his and Chelsea’s short-term goals.
Contrary to reports suggesting an increased role for Pochettino in Chelsea’s transfer setup, sources indicate that he is part of a recruitment team led by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stuart, with co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields also playing a crucial role.
While Pochettino provides significant input, he does not possess a veto on transfers, and his influence is limited if the rest of the recruitment team decides to sell Gallagher for financial reasons.
Despite transfer speculations, Gallagher’s preference is to stay at Chelsea, making it the most likely scenario in January. His commitment to staying could potentially disrupt any transfer, similar to the situation in the summer when Ian Maatsen turned down a move to Burnley, despite Chelsea accepting an offer with an obligatory £31.5m purchase clause.
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