Conor Gallagher’s next club decision is blindingly obvious amid Spurs, Newcastle and Liverpool links

The future of Conor Gallagher is once again the subject of constant speculation as the England midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from Chelsea.

Spending time away from Stamford Bridge would be nothing new for the 23-year-old. After all, he had spells on loan at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace before he had even made his senior bow for the Blues.

Those temporary moves may well have given the Epsom-born midfielder a chance to show what he can do when he is handed a chance to play regular first-team football, but there is a feeling that a more permanent separation from Chelsea may be required if he is to end what feels like a frustrating period in his career and truly deliver on his early promise.

Gallagher actually made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Blues last season, with 21 of them coming as part of their starting lineup. But if he really wants to kick his career into overdrive and firmly force himself into Gareth Southgate’s England squad on a regular basis, Gallagher may well have to consider his options during the summer transfer window.

We take a look at what may lie ahead and assess what his preferred option should be as the talented midfielder looks to realise the potential he has shown during the early years of his career.

Newcastle United

The Champions League-bound Magpies are said to be long-term admirers of Gallagher, with former manager Steve Bruce believed to have made two attempts to take the Chelsea midfielder on loan during his reign at St James’ Park. The ambitions and financial outlook may well have changed on Tyneside following the Saudi-led takeover in October 2021 but there are suggestions Gallagher remains a much-admired figure within the Newcastle United hierarchy.

There is no doubt his energy and intensity would fit perfectly into an Eddie Howe side that simply oozed both qualities during their charge towards a top four place last season. Often accused of utlising the dark arts and getting involved in niggly fouls to disrupt play, the Magpies certainly divided opinion and rattled a few cages throughout a memorable campaign.

Gallagher is more than capable of playing his part in that style of play, but he is also able to provide the quality and control Eddie Howe loves in a midfield player and there is little doubt the Magpies manager’s ability to get the best out of players would attract the England midfielder. This would not be a bad move for Gallagher - but United seem to be looking elsewhere at this moment in time.

Liverpool

Much of the transfer talk around Anfield has surrounding a refresh of Jurgen Klopp’s options in the middle of the park.

Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all departed and Arthur’s loan from Serie A giants Juventus has come to a rather unsatisfying end. Their exits have left Jordan Henderson and Thiago as the Reds senior midfielders - although Klopp can call upon the services of the likes of Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho -although the latter duo are more attack-minded.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager have already made his first venture into the transfer market with the impressive signing of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister but there is possibly a need for at least one more addition to the midfield options. Gallagher could well fit the bill as his style of play fits into what Klopp demands of his players - although the emergence of the talented Bajcetic and the presence of the experienced Henderson and Thiago could well limit his opportunities and leave him in a similar situation to the one he finds himself in at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur

Could the timing be right for what would be a somewhat controversial move across London? With Ange Postecolgou now in situ after Spurs embarked on a painfully long search for a new manager, there is likely to be a somewhat different look to their side next season.

Aside from the monotonous situation surrounding Harry Kane’s future, Postecoglou is likely to want to freshen up his options in midfield and there is no surprise to see someone like Gallagher immediately linked following his appointment. The former Celtic manager likes to implement a high-press throughout his side and to take the game to his opposition, something Gallagher is able to play a key role in as he has already proven.

Postecoglou is known to be a fine man-manager and someone that can improve players and he would surely relish the challenge of helping Gallagher realise his potential. Whether the Chelsea man would consider a move to Spurs is unknown and a lot could depend on whether the two clubs would do business is open to question.

Remain at Chelsea

There is every chance Gallagher could make the most of the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino and impress under the newly-appointed Chelsea manager. It seems inevitable the former Spurs boss will want to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited but his appointment will also hand something of a clean slate for the current Blues players. However, there have been some suggestions the former Argentina defender is willing to allow Gallagher to leave to fund his overhaul of his squad and that will hardly breathe confidence into the midfielder.

Brighton and Hove Albion

The latest club to be linked with a move for Gallagher is Brighton and they seem like an ideal match for the midfielder. With Alexis Mac Allister already departed and Moises Caicedo likely to follow him out of the door over the coming weeks, there is an opportunity to find regular first-team football on the south coast. The Seagulls have already added James Milner to their squad this summer and several other midfielders from around Europe have been linked with a move to the club.

The departure of Graham Potter in the early weeks of last season should have delivered a blow to Brighton - but the shrewd appointment of Roberto De Zerbi provided the platform for a season that will go down in the club’s history after they qualified for the Europa League for the first time.

De Zerbi’s high-energy, possession-based style of play would suit Gallagher perfectly and the opportunity to add his name to a list of inspired signings by the Seagulls and play in European competition would surely appeal to the midfielder. This one feels like a match made in heaven to us.