Conor Gallagher ‘almost certain’ to leave Chelsea, West Ham United ‘one to watch most’
Conor Gallagher is “almost certain” to leave Chelsea this summer with West Ham the “one to watch most” in the race for his signature, according to Simon Phillips.
Writing on his Substack account (12 August), the journalist reports that Chelsea’s pursuit of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia means the England international is likely on his way out at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham and Crystal Palace also retain an interest, but it’s West Ham who are the most likely destination at this point according to what he’s been told.
“Gallagher is almost certain to leave the club if both Caicedo and Lavia arrive, and even if it’s just Caicedo,” he wrote.
“I know that Tottenham are still keen, and Gallagher would certainly be more than open to returning to Crystal Palace – he really enjoyed it there.
“But I’m also told that he could go to West Ham this window, and that is probably the one to watch most right now. I’d be very surprised if Gallagher is still a Chelsea player come the end of this month.”
Interesting
West Ham have already been able to tie up the signing of Edson Alvarez in midfield and James Ward-Prowse is as good as a done deal at the time of writing too, so midfield is looking much stronger than it was this time last week.
But with Lucas Paqueta potentially heading for the exit to Manchester City there could be another gap for a midfielder with an eye for goal, and Gallagher fits that mould well.
The player has been clear that he wants to stay at Chelsea if there is an opportunity to play, but their business in this window suggests that won’t be easy to come by and an exit would make sense.
With West Ham having a need for a player like him and David Moyes being a big fan, a transfer in a year before the European Championships would be big for Gallagher and if he can get European football that would be even better for him.
This is one to watch as the window comes to a close and after Chelsea’s midfield business is confirmed, but the Hammers are clearly well placed to do a deal if the opportunity arises.
In other West Ham news, a World Cup star is wanted at the London Stadium with a hijack on the cards.