An impressive, valiant Chelsea effort in Europe remains lauded by Blues, neutrals, journalists and pundits alike following the 5-4 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid Tuesday. While Pride of London does not wish to dwell on the great disappointment of the match – and a couple of dubious instances – using the many positives to strengthen this quality side’s unity and spirit further seems valuable and viable. If Thomas Tuchel devises another adept game plan which suits the team, they can quite easily find themselves progressing to an FA Cup Final via a solid victory on Sunday afternoon.
Crystal Palace are the opponents in the fabled English cup’s semifinal; a Palace that feel more of a threat during Patrick Vieira’s short yet impactful reign. Clearly Vieira’s record as a professional on the pitch was as illustrious for his main club and country as anyone who comes to mind. Therefore the Frenchman will be extremely keen to begin attaining silverware on a senior managerial level. One key player to the Eagles boss’s XI this season has been CFC loanee Conor Gallagher. Gallagher is integral to the attempted phasing in of an increasingly modern style at Selhurst Park during the campaign. But where will the rising 22-year-old be playing his football in 2022/23?
PoL attempt to explain what’s next for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, as a supposed asking price is revealed
Gallagher’s presence sadly won’t be felt at Wembley for either London outfit this weekend. His contract denies the opportunity to feature; though the Pensioners could have allowed an appearance. But Chelsea refused to give special dispensation to Palace for use of the eye-catching midfielder against his parent club. Apparently he requested for permission to Tuchel personally but was not given it, current talk states. Whilst Frank Lampard was manager of Derby County, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori were given the OK to be deployed against CFC in a Carabao Cup Fourth Round clash.
The argument that ‘Chels’ should have let their asset to be selected by Vieira in order for Tuchel, staff, or recruitment to assess him against them is superfluous. Regardless of CFC being of almost the utmost of opposition to gauge him against. This is because Gallagher will have been watched extensively by Chelsea scouts, coaches and, of course, the gaffer himself. There is absolutely no need to risk anything or evaluate further. In actuality, the fact that he was declined the chance to be in the semis against the Pensioners can be viewed that he might well be wanted at Stamford Bridge next term.
To that end, the same publication states Gallagher is greatly admired by Tuchel, and that the latter wanted to retain the former for 2021/22. The three-cap England international is said to be being considered for a prominent role on Fulham Road next season. However, he is a target of others:
"Clubs, including Palace, have inquired about signing him [Gallagher] on a permanent deal.However, the Blues were quoting at least £50 million ($65m) needed to start a conversation over a transfer, pricing many potential suitors out of a move.His current contract at Stamford Bridge runs until June 2025.Nizaar Kinsella"
Will Gallagher succeed as a Chelsea starter if he returns for the upcoming season? Possibly, is PoL’s answer at this stage. The talent, skill set and drive is evident. Although, competition for places is immense at the Bridge; I see Gallagher as a very attacking No.8, if not higher, which pits him directly against Mason Mount or even Kai Havertz. Head over to our verified Twitter account to chat about the subject with us.