Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted his plans come the next season for star loanee Conor Gallagher who has been a hit at Selhurst Park over the season.
Gallagher has been one of the most influential names on the Crystal Palace team sheet since making the move away from Stamford Bridge last summer in the hope of extended first-team opportunities elsewhere.
A stellar run of displays for The Eagles ensured a maiden call up to the England fold for the 22-year-old midfield talent with many expecting Gallagher to become a crucial cog for Gareth Southgate in the years to come.
With the Chelsea loanee forced to sit out Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final contest between his parent club and Palace owing to the rules of the loan agreement, Tuchel admitted Gallagher would be key to his plans at the Bridge for the new season.
In his pre-match presser, the Chelsea boss heaped praise on Gallagher’s displays during his time away from the Chelsea camp as the former revealed the youngster would be in line to make an impact for the Blues going forward.
“I believe Conor can be a part of our squad and can play a role with us. But I am not the only one to decide. We need to speak after the season with everybody, speak after the season about what Conor wants, we need to see what the situation is and what role we have for him that he can fight for.
“There needs to be something to fight, a role and perspective of where you are, where you can be, what you need to achieve. So we have to be very clear with him and he needs to be clear with us. Then we will sort it out. His development is extraordinary and outstanding.
“He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and made a huge step in his development up front. He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, energy in general, and such work rate to give that he can have a big influence.”
