Football News: Conor Gallagher’s Chelsea Future Uncertain as Euro 2024, Champions League, and FIFA World Cup Loom
Conor Gallagher, the Chelsea midfielder, has been told he will be a squad player under Enzo Maresca’s possession-heavy style at Stamford Bridge. However, the England international remains open to agreeing a new long-term contract with his boyhood club.
Gallagher, who turned down a new three-year contract offer from Chelsea on Wednesday, has received a salary package comparable to the highest earners in the Blues’ midfield. The deal, which includes two years plus an optional third year, follows another extension offer he rejected in June.
Despite Chelsea’s efforts to retain him, Gallagher is interested in a move to Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club agreeing a £34m transfer fee with the Premier League side. The 23-year-old’s current Chelsea deal is set to expire next summer, and he is considering all his options as the 2024 Euro, Champions League, and FIFA World Cup loom.
Gallagher’s performances last season, where he made 37 Premier League starts, scoring five goals and providing seven assists, have made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge. However, the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has increased competition in Chelsea’s midfield, and Gallagher may find it difficult to secure regular playing time under Maresca.
Chelsea have been open to selling Gallagher since last summer, when they valued him at £50m and received interest from Tottenham and Newcastle. The club is now looking to generate a profit on the academy graduate, with the 2023-24 season presenting the last real opportunity to secure a decent fee for his exit.
As the transfer window approaches its close on August 30, the future of Conor Gallagher remains uncertain. The player’s desire to play regularly at a top club, coupled with Chelsea’s financial considerations, could lead to a move away from Stamford Bridge, potentially impacting the Blues’ preparations for the upcoming Euro 2024, Champions League, and FIFA World Cup campaigns.
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