Liverpool wanting to rebuild their midfield in the summer is probably football's worst kept secret, with a number of players linked with a move to Anfield.
Indeed, Jurgen Klopp is thinking of raiding Chelsea in a couple of months time, but it turns out that may not just be for Mason Mount as the Reds boss sees Conor Gallagher as an option to improve his midfield numbers.
A new era beckons at Anfield and Klopp has identified the high-energy England international as someone who could help ignite the next stage of his tenure at Liverpool.
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The signing of Thiago in 2020 is the only addition made to the midfield since Naby Keita arrived from RB Leipzig and it has been an area of the field that has become somewhat neglected and in need of rejuvenation. And Gallagher, who is one of many on the list of players being monitored, has been identified as somebody who can add energy to that area, with his homegrown status also appealing to the Reds' recruitment staff.
All-action Gallagher has an eye for a goal - eight in the league last campaign - and can get about the pitch as well as anyone - something Liverpool have been lacking so much this term. The lack of mobility in the middle has left Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson overly exposed. Running power, pace and fitness is what Klopp loves in his midfield and the 23-year-old brings that in abundance.
What managers say about Gallagher
Despite not being awarded much game time this season by England boss Gareth Southgate and Chelsea's Graham Potter, they have both heaped praise on the talented midfielder.
Southgate highlighted one of Gallagher's key attributes: "He's fantastic at pressing the ball. He's not as experienced as some of the others, but he has an impact in games. When you look at midfielders, you often ask, do they stop goals, create goals or score goals? He does a lot of all of that." He scored eight and assisted three times while on loan at Crystal Palace last season.
Potter praised 'fantastic team player' Gallagher after dealing with Chelsea frustrations: “Conor has been really unlucky because whenever he comes on he does really well. He’ll be frustrated and rightly so. But we think the world of him and he’s a fantastic team player.”
What fans say about Gallagher
One Chelsea fan believes letting Gallagher leave will come back to haunt the West London side: “The day Conor leaves Chelsea are gonna regret it. This guy given the chance can do anything in the midfield.”
Gallagher was named in the England squad for the March internationals and this Three Lions supporter backed the 23-year-old: "Conor Gallagher is very underrated. Get him in the right environment and he can offer lots of invaluable midfield traits. His energy on and off the ball combined with his ability to attack the box from deep will offer England something different if they’re in need of a goal."
Meanwhile, another England supporter believes Gallagher has a bright future with his country: "Think Conor Gallagher is a little fortunate to make it on recent form. Ten Premier League starts for Chelsea this season. Then again, there aren't a huge number of central midfield options and at just 23, it will be a great experience for a player with a bright future."
What pundits have said about Gallagher
Former Red Danny Murphy spoke to TalkSport about the latest England squad and praised Gallagher's inclusion: “I’ve not put Phillips in; I don’t see how you can… Gallagher I’d take ahead of Phillips. Legs, passion, get you a goal, and he’s playing,”
Ally McCoist believes Gallagher is the type of player Newcastle United should be looking at because of his 'high energy' style: “Conor Gallagher’s the kind of player I think that Newcastle would be going for. Young, hungry, that would make a signing. The way he plays the game, the Newcastle fans would take to him. He’s high energy, great effort. Perfect.”
Should the Reds firm up their interest, Gallagher would not be the only midfield addition Liverpool make in the summer. He would potentially be one of a few new players to arrive in what will be a revamp of their option. Not every signing can be a £100m player and Klopp knows that. A move for Gallagher could be an extremely savvy move.
With Jude Bellingham the priority and him most likely coming at a cost of over £100m, Klopp needs to clever with the money given to him from FSG. Gallagher is Premier League-proven, young and will allow the German to play in his high energy style once again.
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