“Chelsea hit the jackpot” – Chelsea signed a star for £0, now he’s worth £50m ‘big talent’
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the ever-productive Chelsea football academy, the conveyor belt of talent never seems to slow down, and one of its shining stars is currently earning £50k per week. The academy’s ability to nurture exceptional talent is nothing short of astonishing, with many budding stars commencing their journeys in the heart of east London.
The world takes notice when exceptional talents emerge at a young age. This was exemplified when Bayern Munich swooped in to acquire Jamal Musiala from Chelsea at the tender age of 16, and he’s now evolved into a 20-year-old German international, boasting a staggering estimated value of £129m (€150m) according to Football Observatory. Another instance is Declan Rice, who left Chelsea for West Ham at 14 and has since become a midfield sensation, commanding a value exceeding £100m, ultimately being acquired by Arsenal for a hefty £105m this summer.
Though losing such talents is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, Chelsea finds solace in their current crop of academy stars who have seamlessly transitioned into first-team stalwarts. Levi Colwill, Reece James, and Conor Gallagher have particularly captured the hearts of Stamford Bridge faithful.
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In the spotlight, Conor Gallagher’s journey stands out. During the early stages of his Chelsea tenure, it appeared he might succumb to the club’s tradition of loaning out promising talents without affording them a chance in the first team. Joining the club at the tender age of eight, Gallagher ventured into men’s football through a loan stint at Charlton Athletic in the Championship in 2019. During this period, his expected transfer value (xTV) was estimated at £3.8m (€4.5m) as per Football Transfers. However, his fortunes took a swift turn as he notched up an impressive 17 direct goal contributions in 45 appearances across two loan spells at Charlton and Swansea during the 2019/20 season, boosting his value to £12.4m (€14.4m).
Gallagher’s meteoric rise continued with subsequent loan spells at Premier League clubs West Brom and Crystal Palace, where he showcased his exceptional midfield prowess, gaining accolades for his dynamic performances. Standing out as Palace’s primary goal contributor with 11 direct involvements during the 2021/22 season, Gallagher’s value surged to £32m (€37.6m) according to Football Transfers’ xTV model by the time he returned to Chelsea.
Now an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, Gallagher has impressed as one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season. His style is characterized by relentless energy and a penchant for ball-winning, making him a force to be reckoned with in midfield. He boasts impressive statistics, averaging 3.1 tackles per game, 7.3 balls recovered, 1.9 interceptions, and a duel success rate of 60%, highlighting his tenacity and effectiveness in regaining possession. Despite his aggressive defensive approach, Gallagher maintains composure in possession, boasting a remarkable pass completion rate of 91% and a long pass success rate of 83%, underscoring his ability to execute precision passes.
Former Chelsea manager and legend Frank Lampard had aptly dubbed Gallagher a “top talent.” Under Pochettino’s stewardship, Gallagher has flourished, receiving increased game time and added responsibilities. Almost departing the club in the summer, this England international, now earning £50k per week, has showcased an inspiring journey from academy graduate to a regular first-team player, making him a £50m-rated star – a beacon of aspiration for any young footballer aiming to rise through the ranks with hard work and dedication.
