Conor Gallagher has just three months to convince Chelsea he has a future with them.
The midfielder is one of a number of homegrown stars who fear the club will cash in on them if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Selling academy graduates would help Chelsea stay in line with Financial Fair Play regulations — and the Blues view Gallagher, who is likely to command a fee of more than £40million, as one of their most saleable assets.
But, with his future in doubt, the 23-year-old wants to stay and has an opportunity to prove himself, as he hopes to start his fourth Premier League game in a row at West Ham on Saturday.
Mateo Kovacic has been out with a calf injury, so Gallagher could start alongside £106.8million signing Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has been impressed with Gallagher behind the scenes, and the England star is known for his good attitude. One of the hardest-working players in the squad, Gallagher is always willing to play in a variety of positions to help the team.
But, like Mason Mount, Gallagher has been targeted on social media by a section of fans, who have criticised his performances and called for him to be sold.
His exit could help fund more big-money signings in the summer, and Chelsea could target West Ham’s Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund as they look to strengthen their midfield.
Chelsea had substantial interest in Gallagher in January, with Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham all identifying him as a possible target. But he does not want to leave the boyhood club he loves, particularly not for a team in a relegation battle, and he rejected a move to Everton.
For now, Gallagher is needed at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea bid to revive their season and stay in the hunt for European qualification. N’Golo Kante remains sidelined, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Denis Zakaria are still building their way back to full fitness.
Every match for Gallagher is a chance to show he has a place in the long-term project at Stamford Bridge — and that answers do not always have to come from the transfer market.
