West Ham United would have taken Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.
The Lowdown: Summer interest
After impressing whilst on loan at Selhurst Park last season, numerous Premier League teams were keen on luring the 22-year-old away from his boyhood club during the summer transfer window.
Crystal Palace reportedly submitted a £27m bid for the England international, whilst Newcastle United and the Hammers also eyed a move for the midfield playmaker.
The Latest: Bridge’s claim
Bridge believes the Irons would have been keen to bring Gallagher to the London Stadium on loan this summer if the chance had arisen.
However, despite showing glimpses of his quality at Stamford Bridge this season, the Chelsea man has struggled to hit the ground running.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter claimed:
“In the Leeds and Leicester games he was trying too hard, and you could see that against Leicester when he got sent off. Against, Leeds he was played out of position and part of a bad team performance all round. You can tell he’s got a great attitude. He didn’t want to go back on loan. A number of Premier League clubs would have taken him on loan. I think West Ham would have taken him as well.”
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The Verdict: Promising talent
Former Blues manager Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for the progress Gallagher made whilst at the Eagles last season, having claimed his development was ‘extraordinary and outstanding’.
Rated as Palace’s best performing player in the Premier League last season, the 22-year-old averaged 1.5 shots, 1.3 dribbles and 1.1 key passes per game (via WhoScored).
Consequently, it is a shame to see the youngster somewhat struggling at Chelsea this season. Having featured in the Blues’ starting XI four times this campaign, Gallagher’s performances have been up and down throughout, having grabbed his first goal contribution against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Therefore, a loan move to a team like West Ham would have ensured weekly starts and European appearances, which could have been huge to the midfielder’s development at the top level.