Why Conor Gallagher would be a future investment for Crystal Palace
According to The Sun, Crystal Palace are readying a £10m bid for Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher in the summer.
The 20-year-old spent time with Epsom Eagles before moving to Chelsea in 2008. Having come through the Blues’ youth system, he was sent of loan to Charlton Athletic last summer where he managed 26 games before returning to his parent club.
Due to the presence of big names in Frank Lampard’s squad, he was once again sent on loan to Swansea City last January. The youngster has been in sensational form in both of his loan spells. A future prospect, Gallagher has represented England at all levels from U17 to U21. Thus, Palace should make a move for him in the summer.
Gallagher could be a brilliant investment for Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha is Palace’s leading assist-provider with 5 to his name. All this has resulted in the team’s lack of consistency and they are slowly moving down the table. And thus, the manager should bring in reinforcements to the squad in order to do better next season.
One of the key areas Hodgson needs to focus on strengthening is the midfield. At the moment, only four attack-minded midfielders are available at the manager’s disposal. James McArthur and James McCarthy have been regular starters but they have combined to provide just 4 assists.
Jeffery Schlupp has managed to score twice and provide 2 assists while Max Meyer has struggled to find form. Thus, signing a midfielder would make sense.
In that regard, signing Gallagher would help them secure their future. The English U21 star has been in brilliant form this season, managing 6 goals and 10 assists in 39 Championship games for both the clubs on loan. Despite his tender age, he has demonstrated immense potential.
He would provide some much-needed depth in Palace’s ageing midfield, whilst also bringing healthy competition within the squad. A defensive midfielder by trade, the youngster is capable of operating in an advanced role as he has done throughout the campaign. And with experience, he could only get better and improve the Eagles’ midfield in the future.
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Verdict
With McArthur (32) and McCarthy (29) ageing, it is clear that the London outfit need young midfielders for the future. And given Gallagher’s form, he could be a suitable option for the club. Thus, Palace should manage to lure the youngster to Selhurst Park this summer.
