Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has promised to give Conor Gallagher the chance to fight for his place after the pair had a meeting at the end of the season.
That's according to football.london, who reported that Gallagher was keen to stay at Chelsea and work his way into the first-team, and Tuchel has assured the midfielder that he will be given the opportunity to do so. The Chelsea star has flourished on loan at Crystal Palace this season, and has since been called up to the England squad.
Palace fans would have been wishing for Gallagher to stay, but the midfielder penned an emotional farewell to his Instagram, signalling the end of his stay at Selhurst Park. And it appears that a meeting with Tuchel may have helped the midfielder make up his mind.
Gallagher has impressed this season after establishing himself as a Premier League midfielder, but despite his rise there are no assurances that he will be thrown into the mix at Chelsea. With the likes of N'golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all battling for two midfield spots.
But Tuchel has promised Gallagher the opportunity to prove himself, and although upsetting for the Palace fans, it does prove just how useful the loan system can be. Gallagher was extremely thankful to Palace for giving him the opportunity this season, and wrote on Instagram: "I'm so proud to have been part of this team which was a very successful season in the league and getting to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final was amazing.
"From my first contact with Patrick Vieira, he's been brilliant with me and helped me develop into a better player, for which I can't thank him enough. The players and staff have made me feel like I've been here for years and the fans have made me feel so at home.
"Your support helped us in tough games this season and it can make all the difference! I've given everything this season for the club and was delighted to be the supporters player of the year, thank you all so much for your support.
"It's been so special to play for this great club. Hopefully, I showed that in my performances on the pitch and how proud I was to wear the shirt. Thank you."
Gallagher may have been given further assurances too, as although Chelsea's midfield is currently swamped, some players are set to leave. Kante and Jorginho both see their deals expire next summer, and it's unlikely that Ross Barkley will still be at Stamford Bridge next season.
Although Chelsea have been criticised for sending multiple stars out on loan in the past, they are using their academy to its full effect. Mason Mount and Reece James have both become first-team regulars after spending time out on loan, and Gallagher will be hoping to do the same.
The likes of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori may not have been so lucky, but they have flourished ever since leaving the club. Abraham has just won the Conference League with Roma, and Tomori is now a Serie A champion.
The future is bright for Gallagher, and Chelsea will be grateful to have him for pre-season this summer. And his return may do the new owners a favour, with a large budget already expected to be used in the transfer market.
