Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in securing a reunion with Conor Gallagher in the near future, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Gallagher’s superb Palace spell
The England international caught the eye during a hugely successful loan spell at Selhurst Park last term, winning the club’s Player of the Season award.
Gallagher scored eight goals and registered three assists in the Premier League, with the Eagles’ official website noting how he ‘played an instrumental part’ in a fine campaign which saw the club reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
The 22-year-old is now back at Chelsea but he has struggled to earn regular minutes this season, managing only nine league starts and one in the Champions League.
The Latest: Gallagher reunion mooted
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs claimed that Palace could look to re-sign Gallagher, with Sky Sports reporting during the week of the club’s interest in bringing him back to Selhurst Park.
The CBS Sports journalist said:
“It’s not unthinkable that an offer comes in for Conor Gallagher. I think Chelsea would be valuing him at around £40million and we know that Palace have always had an interest. Newcastle are there as well.”
The Verdict: Make it happen
This feels like a perfect move for all parties, with Gallagher no doubt keen to nail down a long-term Premier League future and potentially tempted by the thought of being a regular starter at Palace.
The fact that he already knows Vieira and the club so well after last season means that it wouldn’t be a risky move despite the £40m fee being quoted, and at 22, he should only improve even more in the coming years.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter recently described Gallagher as ‘fantastic’, and his average of 1.5 tackles per game this season – bettered by only four Eagles players – shows that he can be effective in his defensive work as well as going forward.
He could add the spark that Palace are perhaps missing in central midfield, providing chances for the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise ahead of him.