Conor Gallagher’s future at Chelsea is in considerable doubt, with interest in the player high this summer, and Everton having tried to sign him in January.
As reported by The Athletic, Everton had an offer of £45 million for Conor Gallagher accepted by Chelsea in the most recent winter transfer window, but the midfielder had no interest in a move to Goodison Park.
There are still plenty of suitors for Gallagher this summer. West Ham United have just had a £40 million offer rebuffed by the Blues. Chelsea are open to selling, but want around £50 million for the 23-year-old.
Despite being seemingly deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher has been heavily involved in pre-season. Mauricio Pochettino gave him the full 90 minutes in the club’s most recent friendly. What’s more, the 7-cap England international himself wants to stay and fight for his place.
The confusion around Gallagher’s future is a problem for the player and the club. From Everton’s perspective, the Epsom-born ace’s disinterest ought to serve as a wake up call.
What Gallagher snub means for Everton
Gallagher would have been a brilliant addition to Sean Dyche’s squad. He is tactically astute, versatile, tenacious, and has an eye for goal. He would have added dynamism and creativity to the Toffees’ midfield unit. He would also have been guaranteed regular game time.
Everton’s pull, however, is not what it was. Even with a huge history and a new stadium on the way, successive seasons of near-relegation have made a move to Merseyside seem like a very uncertain bet for top talents like Gallagher.
Everton have done business this summer, but Dyche needs to get his side performing better on the pitch in order to start restoring the club’s damaged reputation.