Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has opened up on the reason behind joining Crystal Palace on loan for the 2021/22 season. The youngster has praised the plans and vision of newly-appointed manager Patrick Viera, which happens to be a key reason behind his move.
The 21-year-old had offers from multiple clubs, after his impressive loan stint with West Bromwich Albion last season. Leeds United were one of the clubs heavily linked with him, and reports even suggested that the Englishman visited Leeds’ training ground.
However, Crystal Palace have hijacked the deal at the last moment. Gallagher recently played a full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Bournemouth. His arrival is likely to strengthen the Eagles’ midfield.
Crystal Palace are having a great summer transfer window. They have added two talented centre-backs to their squad, while Reading’s midfielder Michael Olise has also signed for the Eagles. It is believed that the new manager, Patrick Viera is playing a significant role behind these statement signings.
Speaking to Crystal Palace’s website, Gallagher touched upon this aspect, as he said:
I liked what he (Patrick Viera) said, I liked how he wants to play, how he wants me to play and how he wants the team to play. I feel like I can learn from him and the players around me. I think that’s the main thing. I feel like [playing box to box] suits me perfectly, which is one of the reasons why I came here and is the way he wants to play as well. Hopefully that can help me show what I can do.
We can’t leave each other alone – Callagher says on his partnership with Marc Guehi
Conor Gallagher is not the only Chelsea product who has joined Crystal Palace. Viera recently acquired the services of 21-year-old centre-back Marc Guehi from the West London club, for a reported fee of £21m.
Incidentally, besides playing for the same team at the youth level, Gallagher and Guehi have been teammates at the professional level before. They were both loaned to Swansea City in the 2019/20 season.
Speaking on his inseparable bond with Guehi, Gallagher said:
It seems like we can’t leave each other alone. We grew up through the academy at Chelsea, we were at Swansea together and now we’re here, so we’re like best mates.
