Conor Gallagher ‘wants to go back to Chelsea’ once loan at Crystal Palace ends

Steve Sidwell claims Conor Gallagher ‘wants to go back to Chelsea’ once his loan at Crystal Palace ends as the BT Sport pundit insists his spell at Selhurst Park is not to put himself ‘in the shop window’

  • Conor Gallagher has been impressive for Crystal Palace this season
  • Midfielder has started all but one Premier League games for Eagles this term 
  • Gallagher made his England debut against San Marino last week
  • The 20-year-old’s loan at Crystal Palace ends at the end of the season
  • Shaun Wright-Phillips urged Gallagher and Billy Gilmour to stay on loan 


Conor Gallagher is reportedly determined to go back to Chelsea once his loan at Crystal Palace ends, according to former Blues midfielder Steve Sidwell. 

Gallagher has been in imperious form for the Eagles this term, scoring four goals and contributing two assists in 12 Premier League appearances for Patrick Vieira’s team.

The 21-year-old’s performances have caught the eye of Gareth Southgate and Gallagher won his first England cap when he came on at halftime in the 10-0 rout of San Marino last week.

Conor Gallagher is reportedly determined to force his way into the Chelsea team next season once his loan spell at Crystal Palace ends

After sitting out Palace’s 3-0 defeat against his parent club on the first day of the season, Gallagher has started each of the following 11 Premier League games, during which Palace have lost just once. 

While the midfielder has impressed at Selhurst Park, Sidwell revealed Gallagher had set his sight on forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s team ahead of next season.  

Sidwell claims, according to The Express, that Gallagher once told Rio Ferdinand: “When you speak about me, make sure that I state that I want to go back to Chelsea. 

‘I’m not here in the shop window to get a move. I’m doing this to show them what I can do to go back to Chelsea.”’ 

Gallagher has produced some eye-catching performances on loan at Palace this season

Gallagher has produced some eye-catching performances on loan at Palace this season

The Chelsea loanee won his first senior England cap last week in the 10-0 win over San Marino

The Chelsea loanee won his first senior England cap last week in the 10-0 win over San Marino 

While Gallagher may be intent on returning to Stamford Bridge in the summer, former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has urged him and fellow loanee Billy Gilmour to bide their time. 

The latter impressed in Norwich’s 2-1 win over Southampton on Saturday as he made his first Premier League start since September.

Having started four of the Canaries’ first five league games of the season, the Scotsman lost his place under former Norwich boss Daniel Farke but was restored to the starting XI by Dean Smith for his first game in charge. 

‘If I was either of those two players, especially playing the way that they are both playing. I think the best bet for them personally is to stay where they are,’ Wright-Philips told Metro.

Billy Gilmour (left) made his first Premier League start in two months on Saturday

Billy Gilmour (left) made his first Premier League start in two months on Saturday

‘Especially Conor, he’s loved at Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira plays him all the time, he’s doing really really well. He’s getting assists and goals. Billy is playing outstanding well. He played magnificently for Norwich on Saturday.

‘The way he plays for Scotland, he’ll fit into a lot of Premier League teams’ starting XI’s every game and possibly some teams’ first name on the team sheet.

‘For me, while they’re playing so well and gaining all this Premier League experience and learning I think they should just stay there and get on with it.’