Connor Gallagher could lead new era at West Ham United as transfer news emerges
West Ham United have been alerted to the possibility of signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer, and he could lead a new era at the London Stadium.
The England international, once dubbed “extraordinary” by former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has endured a difficult campaign at Stamford Bridge, following his decision to remain at the club, despite interest from elsewhere.
Now it seems as if the Chelsea hierarchy are willing to cash in on the midfielder after spending over £600m in the previous two transfer windows and Gallagher has been priced at £40m.
And according to TalkSPORT [28 May], several Premier League clubs have been alerted to the possibility of signing Gallagher this summer, including West Ham United.
“Gallagher is not believed to have done enough this season to convince the Blues hierarchy that he will be a part of their long-term plans,” they wrote.
“West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace, where he had a successful loan spell, have all been alerted to the possibility of signing the £40million-rated midfielder.”
With the Irons resigned to losing their key man Declan Rice this summer, as well as Manuel Lanzini and possibly even Tomas Soucek, it is imperative the club prioritise the signing of an adept and quality midfield player.
Despite, the 23-year-old’s difficult campaign at Chelsea this season, Gallagher still represents an attractive proposition for several Premier League as reported by the talkSPORT report.
The England international was absolutely superb during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he notched eight goals and three assists from 34 Premier League games.
This season, he’s managed three goals and an assist despite Chelsea’s tumultuous campaign highlighting his ability to still contribute in the final third, despite his club’s difficulties.
Gallagher also possesses a skill set that the Hammers desperately lack, especially without Rice, capable of providing a telling influence between both boxes, tremendous tenacious and aggressive edge out of possession, a terrific engine and work-rate as well as his already proven influence in the final third.
It’s a long time since West Ham United possessed a true-goalscoring midfielder or a player with the ability to work his magic between both boxes and Gallagher represents the ideal solution.
The 23-year-old ranks in the 97th percentile of midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area, 96th percentile for progressive passes received and in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons that lead to a goal, as per FBRef.
Indeed, the Chelsea midfielder won’t replace Rice by himself but should the Hammers acquire an able-bodied defensive midfielder to replace their club captain and couple him up with Gallagher’s qualities in midfield, the West Ham United fanbase may be in for an incredibly exciting new-and-improved era at the London Stadium.