In our view, a move to Newcastle United would be ideal for Conor Gallagher, who is enduring a tough time since returning to Chelsea this summer.
Things aren’t going to plan for Gallagher at Chelsea
Coming off the back of a stellar stint out on loan at Crystal Palace, Conor Gallagher was expected to set the world alight upon his return to Chelsea.
7 starts in the Premier League later where the England international has struggled to impress, there’s not been much to write home about the youngster’s storied comeback to his boyhood club this season.
However, it would be harsh to direct all the blame at the 22-year old’s doorstep.
For starters, former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel deployed the Cobham graduate in a double pivot, a role which made the attacking-minded starlet look like a fish out of water.
With there being little to no signs of improvement as far as Chelsea as concerned under Graham Potter’s helm, it has been unsurprising to witness Gallagher’s progression become stunted.
And in any case, the presence of a certain Mason Mount as the No.10 in the side does not make life any easier for the Epsom-born midfielder.
Why Newcastle are the perfect fit for Gallagher
Unlike at Stamford Bridge where the onus on Conor Gallagher would be to operate as the side’s chief creator, Newcastle United would welcome the presence of a tireless worker such as himself in an advanced role in midfield.
Eddie Howe’s side are renowned for their relentless pressing and a huge part of the Englishman’s appeal at Palace last season was his incredible workrate.
So much so that former Blues striker Tony Cascarino even went on to described him as “N’Golo Kante with goals” on talkSPORT in December last year.
With Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock currently operating as the two advanced number 8’s in front of the deeper Bruno Guimares, Conor Gallagher would undoubtedly be an upgrade on both players.
A key reason behind said statement is the fact that the Englishman’s unrelenting pressing is backed up by end product, as he registered an impressive 8 goals and 3 assists in the league last season.
Considering Gallagher was able to put up such excellent numbers whilst being the protagonist of an 11th placed Palace side, it would not be a surprise to see a boost in his goal and assist numbers at a much superior side.
Much like the first iteration of Liverpool’s midfield under Klopp that prioritised workmanlike midfielders over creators in Gini Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, it’s clear to see that the Magpies have opted for the same approach under Howe.
However, a constant criticism of the aforementioned mentioned midfield trio was the absence of a midfielder that could alleviate the front three’s goalscoring burden.
Conor Gallagher is that very presence and while it is unlikely that Chelsea will let him leave the club on a permanent basis anytime soon, a loan move to Newcastle United next summer would be a match made in heaven.
Ultimately, the Blues will be mindful of the fact that while their youth product remains a useful depth option, it would be counterproductive for such a gifted youngster’s progress to decelerate on the bench as time passes.
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