Newcastle United showed a lot of interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on deadline day but Dan Ashworth might have dodged a bullet by failing to bring him to St James’ Park.
The Toon were interested in signing the England international this month but Graham Potter’s side were understandably not keen on loaning the 22-year-old to a top-four rival.
Eddie Howe‘s side might be lacking some depth in midfield but Gallagher’s displays this season, and the likely fee that Newcastle would have had to pay, suggests that the Toon may well be better off without him.
Despite his underwhelming displays this season, the Telegraph suggested (8:14 am) that the Blues valued the academy graduate in excess of £50m following his impressive performances out on loan with Crystal Palace last season.
With Patrick Vieira’s side, the youngster would contribute eight goals and three assists in the top flight, averaging a strong 7.09 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
However, he has been unable to replicate that form with his boyhood club, managing just one goal and one assist for the Stamford Bridge outfit so far this campaign, averaging a disappointing 6.54 rating across his 18 Premier League appearances.
Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have both significantly outperformed Gallagher this season, while WhoScored even ranks Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff ahead of the Chelsea man, which suggests that he wouldn’t have justified his hefty price tag.
His poor form and lack of positional clarity was criticised by Jermaine Jenas during Chelsea’s recent 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup who suggested he “hasn’t got a clue” when it comes to that side of his game.
Considering Newcastle had already splashed £45m on Anthony Gordon and a loan move for Gallagher wasn’t possible, Ashworth did well not to pay Chelsea’s excessive asking price for Gallagher on deadline day, as his form this season suggests that Howe will be better off without him.
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