Crystal Palace fans spent most of the summer transfer window hoping for Chelsea to send Conor Gallagher back to Selhurst Park.
After a stunning 2021/22 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, the 22-year-old was the subject of a £27m bid from Patrick Vieira and Dougie Freedman, according to The Times.
Gallagher won four England caps during his time in south London, where he scored eight goals and provided five assists in 39 appearances, winning the Crystal Palace Player of the Year award.
Now, a rumour from Chelsea could suggest the England international may now return to SE25.
What’s the story?
Well, Graham Potter has not exactly used Gallagher in his starting XI every week since replacing Thomas Tuchel, giving the Chelsea No.23 just eight and 18 minutes of action across the last two Premier League matchdays.
Now – according to respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio – the Blues are about to spend a Premier League record €127m (£112m) on Benfica No.13 Enzo Fernandez, who plays in the same position as Gallagher.
As a result, you would expect to see the Epsom-born midfielder spend even more time on the bench under Potter, so he may be tempted to rejoin Crystal Palace as his career stalls in west London.
Gallagher likely to leave Chelsea for Crystal Palace
A number of clubs wanted to sign Gallagher back in the summer as well as Crystal Palace.
The Daily Mail believe Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham were all keen to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.
However, we strongly believe Crystal Palace would be Gallagher’s chosen destination if he does leave Chelsea.
The energetic midfielder has often spoken about his love for Crystal Palace fans, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy his time in south London, where he played the best football of his career so far.
After scoring against the Eagles back in October, Gallagher told the BBC: “It had to come against Crystal Palace. I loved my time here and the fans have been brilliant, they were clapping me after the game after I had just scored.
“It’s unreal. I’m so thankful for how they treated me while I was here.”
Be sure to keep an eye on Gallagher this month, as the arrival of Fernandez at Chelsea could see him decide to leave in search of regular game time.
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