Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher is on the radar of Leeds United, although the midfielder is keen on fighting for a place in the first-team next season.
Conor Gallagher’s future has become a subject of major discussion in the English market this summer. The Chelsea midfielder has returned to Stamford Bridge after a successful loan spell at West Bromwich Albion. A recent report from The Sun suggests that he is ready to report to the Cobham facility as the club begin their preparation for next season.
Gallagher’s priority is to remain at Stamford Bridge and fight for a place in the Chelsea first-team. However, he is open to moving elsewhere on a loan deal should chances become hard to come by, with Leeds United being one of three clubs monitoring his progress.
A member of the Chelsea youth academy since the age of just eight, Gallagher’s determination towards making a name for himself at Stamford Bridge is hardly surprising. The odds favour him as well, given the fact that new coach Thomas Tuchel loves to allow young players to shine at the highest level of football.
Having said that, the 21-year-old might face a few obstacles upon his return to Cobham this summer. For one, Chelsea are already stacked in the central midfield department, with Tuchel juggling between four options in Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Billy Gilmour.
Not to mention, the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ross Barkley are all set to return to Chelsea following their respective loan spells. Fortunately for Gallagher, Bakayoko is being courted by his former club AC Milan while Tuchel does not appear to rate Barkley and Loftus-Cheek.
In addition, Gilmour has been linked with a potential loan exit. His former club Rangers, in particular, have shown the desire to bring him back to Glasgow, especially following an impressive performance against England in the European Championship.
However, Gallagher may still face stiff competition in the first-team, with Chelsea now being linked with a variety of new midfielders. Marcos Llorente has been the latest player to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
A move to Leeds United, therefore, does seem like an appealing prospect for the 21-year-old. The Whites are already facing a battle to keep hold of star player Kalvin Phillips, so coach Marcelo Bielsa will certainly welcome reinforcements in the midfield department.
AC Milan eye triple swoop for Chelsea stars: What does the future hold for them? | THT Opinions
Playing under the Argentine tactician might bode well for Gallagher himself, grooming him up for the physically demanding nature of the Premier League. An intriguing summer beckons for the midfield prospect once he returns to Chelsea.
