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A total waste – Here’s why Norwich City must forget about signing this talented U21 starlet

Why young Gallagher would be surplus to Norwich’s requirements

According to Football London (h/t PinkUn), Premier League minnows Norwich City are keen on signing Chelsea prospect Conor Gallagher.

The England Under-21 international, who is currently on a season-long loan at Charlton Athletic, has raised a few eyebrows with his impressive displays in the Championship.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is currently on loan at Championship outfit Charlton Athletic.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is currently on loan at Championship outfit Charlton Athletic. (Getty Images)

The midfielder has been a key player for the Addicks so far this season, appearing in 25 of their 26 league games and has 6 goals and 3 assists to his credit.

However, Norwich would only be keen on bringing him to Carrow Road if he decides to cut short his loan deal in January (Football London h/t PinkUn).

The young Gallagher was a key player for the Chelsea Under-19 side which emerged as runners-up in the UEFA Youth League last season. He was also included in the Blues’ first-team in the Europa League final which they lost against Arsenal.

Gallagher in action for Charlton in the Championship.
Gallagher in action for Charlton in the Championship. (Getty Images)

Though his name was on the team-sheet, he never got an opportunity to play and was an unused substitute. Gallagher was also part of the Under-17 England squad which won the World Cup in 2017.

Primarily a deep-lying midfielder, Gallagher has spent most of his time in a more defensive role and has made played alongside Norwich trio Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey and Todd Cantwell in the England under-21 side.

So far, he has made 4 appearances for the young Three Lions. Gallagher, who joined the Chelsea academy aged 8, has so far not played a single match for the senior side. However, he stood out with his performances for their Under-23 side last season in the Premier League 2.

Gallagher playing for the England under-21 national team against Austria under-21 outfit.
Gallagher playing for the England under-21 national team against Austria under-21 outfit. (Getty Images)

His excellent figures of 4 goals and 3 assists from 16 matches in the youth league forced Chelsea to send him out on loan to Charlton in order for him to get more game time.

Moreover, with the youngster proving his potential with the Championship outfit, it would be a bad move to send him out on loan to a relegation-threatened side like Norwich.

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Also, Norwich have as many as nine midfielders as of now and any more additions would be just surplus to requirements.  

Verdict

With Norwich staring at a possible relegation threat, a move for the young Gallagher should not even be a priority.

It would be foolish of Norwich to spend their resources on a loanee like Gallagher as they need immediate results.