Conor Gallagher would be sent out on loan to Crystal Palace for the 2021/22 season.
At the time, a move for the 22-year-old who had a mixed loan spell with West Brom the season prior made sense.
N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic were all clearly ahead of Gallagher in the Chelsea pecking order, whilst Saul Niguez was also brought in from Atletico Madrid.
Since his move to Palace, the central midfielder has been one of the Premier League’s most impressive talents.
In 34 league ties this past season, Gallagher has scored eight and assisted three.
Now, he is set to return to Chelsea with fans no doubt eager to see what the future holds.
And, on Tuesday, football.london have provided an insight into the Blues’ plans for the England under-21 star. They state that Thomas Tuchel has confirmed to Gallagher that he will not be a bit-part player at Chelsea next season and that the England international is expected to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge next season after a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace.
Should that not work out, though, it appears Patrick Vieira would welcome him back with open arms.
“It’s up to Chelsea and of course the player,” Palace boss Vieira said recently regarding Gallagher’s future. “We have him for the year and we are really pleased with his contribution, he’s been terrific.
“Then after the season, he goes back to Chelsea and the decision is Chelsea’s and Conor’s to make. A lot has been said already. He’s been playing I believe his best football at this club, which allowed him to go with England. “It will be important for him to ask a question about what will be the next step for him and the next step may be at Chelsea because he has to go back and see how things will go for him. Of course we are and I am really pleased with the way the year we spent together.
“He’s been really good to us and we will have to wish him good luck if he goes back to Chelsea. If there’s a possibility to bring him back, we will definitely talk about it.”
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