Current Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has told Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel that he has to 'play' Conor Gallagher next season in his midfield after sending the German a 'beautiful' verdict of a player who has continued his development at Crystal Palace this season.
Gallagher, 22, has so far attained 13 goal contributions in all competitions for Patrick Vieira this term and was unlucky to not be able to play in the semi-final of the FA Cup against his parent club. The Blues are currently going through a rough transition period at the moment on and off the pitch due to the uncertainty caused by the ongoing takeover process and the impact that's having on certain players' futures. With it expected to be a summer of change for Chelsea FC in many regards due to the vast incoming and outgoing deals that will be conducted at the end of 2021/22, the likes of Gallagher and loanee partner Levi Colwill are expected to be given some form of squad roles for 2022/23 by manager Tuchel.
"I believe Conor can be a part of our squad [next season] and can play a role with us," Tuchel outlined. "But I am not the only one to decide. We need to speak after the season with everybody, speak after the season about what Conor wants, and we need to see what the situation is and what role we have for him that he can fight for. There needs to be something to fight for, a role and perspective of where you are, where you can be, what you need to achieve. So we have to be very clear with him, and he needs to be clear with us. Then we will sort it out. His development is extraordinary and outstanding. He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and made a huge step in his development upfront. He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, energy in general, and such a work rate to give that he can have a big influence."
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Jorginho could very much be on the way out this summer amid links to Juventus and despite a vast amount of interest in Declan Rice and Aurelien Tchouameni, Chelsea may have to recruit within due to the money that may have to be spent by the new owners on the defence due to the exodus predicted at the back. Therefore, the 22-year-old has been predicted to be in the frame for a Trevoh Chalobah like chance next season despite his insistence to remain coy on his own future with his 'every day' approach to things.
How will he do though taking the step up from Crystal Palace to Chelsea? Well, if Foster's 'beautiful' admission is anything to go by, then Blues supporters could be in for a real treat next term.
“All I can say is, playing against Conor Gallagher, he’s a beautiful player. He’s got it, he will be a player, a baller," he said on his well-liked podcast. "Chelsea have to play him. Conor Gallagher has shown now he can do it. He’s doing it week in week out. Honestly, he’s got everything.”
Obviously, it's not nailed on 100% that the versatile midfielder will be donning the Blues jersey come the start of next season but even if he was to look for an escape, it may not be to the Eagles if the Watford shot-stopper's valuation of the player in question is anything to go by. Foster reckons: "I don’t think £50million is enough to buy Conor Gallagher. If Palace were to try and buy him, it’s got to be £70m-plus.”
So Chelsea fans - what do you want to see happen with Conor Gallagher and what do you make of Ben Foster's comments? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
