REVEALED: Chelsea will NOT be able to recall Conor Gallagher from his loan spell at Crystal Palace in January because of a clause which prevents the deal being terminated if the midfielder has played more than 50% of matches
- Conor Gallagher has enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace
- The 21-year-old earned his first England cap against San Marino last month
- It has led to talk of Chelsea recalling the midfielder to boost their trophy tilt
Chelsea cannot recall Conor Gallagher in January because the midfielder has played over 50 per cent of Crystal Palace’s matches so far.
The 21-year-old has been one the season’s star performers; earning him his first England cap, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 10-0 win over San Marino last month.
His form on loan at Selhurst Park has led to talk of the Blues recalling Gallagher in January to help supplement their trophy tilt next year.
Conor Gallagher (above) has enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace this season
However, Sportsmail can reveal that Gallagher is ineligible to return to Stamford Bridge at the turn of the year due to a quirk in his loan agreement.
Chelsea did insert a recall clause in Gallagher’s loan deal to Palace last summer but it can only be activated if the midfielder plays less than 50 per cent of the games during the first half of the season.
So far Gallagher has been a virtual ever-present, playing in 16 of Palace’s 17 games so far this season.
Gallagher has been vital to Palace’s season so far and the fact he is staying until the summer is a major boost for head coach Patrick Vieira.
Gallagher (right) has been a virtual ever-present, playing in 16 of Palace’s 17 games so far
The 21-year-old, however, is expected to return to Chelsea next summer with a view to integrating him into the first-team at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea refused to entertain loan offers for Gallagher that included a permanent option to buy the midfielder.
A number of clubs, including Newcastle and Leeds, were keen on taking Gallagher on an initial loan that also included a clause allowing them to buy the youngster at the end of the season.
But Chelsea were insistent the terms of any loan switch for Gallagher would not include any option to permanently buy the midfielder as they plan to bring him back to west London next season.
Palace boss Patrick Vieira should be able to call on Gallagher for the rest of the season