Keep OR Sell? Debate over Chelsea's decision on Gallagher intensified even MORE

The debate over what Chelsea should do with Conor Gallagher has surely just intensified even more.

Gallagher was one of Chelsea's best players in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United, a result that was much needed for many reasons. For starters it meant the club secured their first back-to-back wins at home in the Premier League under head coach Mauricio Pochettino (and remarkably first successive league wins at Stamford Bridge since going three straight between September-October 2022).

Cole Palmer provided the finesse, but Gallagher contributed the steel and determination. His team-high five interceptions, plus an impressive pass accuracy rate of 98.9 per cent from 87 attempts, lifted his team-mates and the crowd when they needed it.

The timing felt significant. It is just a few weeks before the January transfer window opens and Gallagher's future at Stamford Bridge is under scrutiny once again. His contract has just 18 months left to run and there has been little indication an extension is close to being signed.

Gallagher was impressive against Sheffield United (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

At the beginning of this year, Chelsea tried to sell him to Everton. In the summer transfer window they were also open to offers with Tottenham, West Ham and Newcastle among the interested clubs. Sources close to the club, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, say Chelsea are prepared to listen to bids next month too.

Needless to say, Chelsea might not get to decide. Gallagher can decide his own fate too and simply not sign a new deal and leave for free at the end of next season. But this piece focuses on the issue from a Chelsea point of view.

He is one of those players every club has that divides the fanbase — you will have those desperate to see him stay, others happy to see him sold. Like with any football debate, there are arguments for both camps. The Athletic presents some of them here.

Keep him

Perhaps the strongest justification is the fact Pochettino clearly values and trusts him. This is reflected not just by what the head coach says but what he does. No outfield player has been named in the first XI more than Gallagher this season (18, tied with Axel Disasi).

Against Sheffield United, Pochettino picked Gallagher to be the captain with Reece James missing. It was the ninth time he has been given the armband from the start this season, a sign of how much Pochettino sees him as one of the leaders in the dressing room. To sell someone the manager clearly wants for the long-term obviously risks upsetting the man you have entrusted to build a successful team.

Gallagher is only 23 and has 186 appearances at club level (including loan spells at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Crystal Palace). Then there are the 11 senior England caps to consider, plus all the occasions he has benefited from simply training with Gareth Southgate's squad. That is a lot of experience earned already and clearly his best years are still ahead of him. This is just his second season as part of Chelsea's senior squad, so he should continue to develop.

As a graduate of the club's academy — he began training with them from the age of six — he knows better than most in the dressing room what the club is about, what it stands for and can relay that to current, as well as future, team-mates. Gallagher, like the rest of his family, is a Chelsea fan so no one will care more about turning them back into a major force again.

Selling to another Premier League club runs the risk of him fulfilling his potential elsewhere and perhaps hurting Chelsea's chances of success in the process. Gallagher also counts as a homegrown player, which helps Chelsea comply with Premier League and UEFA rules (if they qualify for European club competitions).

Sell him

The biggest motivation is financial. Due to the positives listed about Gallagher above, he can command a significant transfer fee. Chelsea will be looking for a sum in excess of £40million. As the England international is an academy-trained player, the money received will count as pure profit.

Chelsea's owners have spent more than £1billion on signings since they took over in May 2022. Outgoings have been a key part of their strategy too and the cash Gallagher would raise will help the club's financial accounts as they try to adhere to Profit and Sustainability rules.

Many Chelsea fans want the club to spend again in the transfer window, especially on a centre-forward. Given the high prices involved with such a purchase, Gallagher's departure can play a part in funding a bid.

Chelsea are getting into a vulnerable position with his deal running down. As each month passes, the amount they can demand for him diminishes. For example, in January 2025, he will be able to talk to foreign clubs about signing a pre-contract to join them the following summer. Chelsea can not afford to let him go as a free agent.

For all of Gallagher's hard endeavour in matches, the lack of end product is a concern, particularly as Pochettino often plays him in an attacking midfield role. In 64 appearances for Chelsea, Gallagher has registered just three goals (and is yet to score this season) plus five assists.

Discipline has been an issue

One of the reasons he has been selected so regularly is due to injuries to other players. When everyone is fit, Pochettino will have Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka and Gallagher to choose from to play as central/attacking midfielders. There is extra support for the position provided by very talented under-21 players Alex Matos and Leo Castledine, who have regularly been named on the bench. In other words, there is enough strength in depth to let him go.

Finally, Gallagher's lack of discipline on the pitch continues to be a worry. Last season he was booked 12 times and was sent off against Leicester after being booked twice. So far in 2023-24, his record reads three yellows and a red against Brighton (again for two bookings). It does not feel like he is learning from his mistakes.

His future is not a clear-cut decision. Whatever the outcome, it will divide opinion. Now you have read some of the arguments for and against, tell us what you would do in the comments below.