Transfer Centre

Conor Gallagher 'is not demanding crazy money at Chelsea'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 March 2024

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano dismisses suggestions that Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is 'asking for crazy money' to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is reportedly 'not asking for crazy money' to sign a new contract.

Featuring in just his second full season as a senior player at Chelsea, Gallagher is regarded as a key man by Mauricio Pochettino with the captain's armband having been regularly handed to him.

In total, Gallagher has made 34 starts and four substitute outings in all competitions during 2023-24, only missing one Premier League game through suspension.

Nevertheless, speculation persists that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are willing to cash in on the England international to substantially boost the club's position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

As it stands, Gallagher has just short of 15 months remaining on his contract and there have been little indication that he is close to penning a renewal.

Co-owner and Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly reacts after the match on March 11, 2024 © Reuters

That has largely been put down to Boehly and Clearlake preferring to sell rather than retain, courtesy of the difficulty that they have had in generating funds through other sales.

However, a recent report claimed that the wage demands of the 24-year-old were proving to be an issue and holding up the chances of fresh terms being signed.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, this is not the case, with the Italian saying that it is inaccurate to suggest that the wages being requested by Gallagher are "too high".

Speaking to Caughtoffside's Substack newsletter The Daily Briefing, Romano said: "I'm aware that there have been claims about Conor Gallagher's salary demands being a problem for Chelsea and holding up an agreement over a new contract.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher celebrates scoring their third goal with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer on February 28, 2024 © Reuters

"My understanding, however, is that it's not about Gallagher asking for crazy money or anything unreasonable for his new deal."

"What I'm told is that it's about Chelsea deciding what they want to do with Gallagher and also taking into account the Financial Fair Play situation, but saying that Gallagher is asking for "too high" salary is not accurate as far as I understand."

Gallagher is allegedly committed to fighting for his spot in the Chelsea squad, a stance that will naturally be supported by Pochettino.

While a wide range of teams are likely to be monitoring the situation, Tottenham Hotspur are the club to be credited as the biggest admirers.