chelsea make Bigger mistake selling £25m than Gallagher: Chelsea will rue letting a “soldier” leave

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Chelsea Fans Lose Faith After Summer Transfer Window

Chelsea fans recently took part in a survey, with results revealing that 80% of the 1,105 respondents are feeling less confident in the club’s ownership following the summer transfer window events. This sense of frustration has been fueled by the club’s controversial decisions in the transfer market.

Even though Enzo Maresca has been putting in immense effort to implement his tactical ideas, his role as head coach limits his control over broader club matters compared to former managers like Thomas Tuchel. Despite having some say in decisions, Maresca couldn’t offer Conor Gallagher a place in his squad that suited his playing style, which led to Gallagher’s sale.

Why Chelsea Decided to Sell Conor Gallagher

Gallagher, once praised by reporter Liam Twomey for his ability to bring “balance and chemistry” to Chelsea’s first team, has now moved on. Maresca couldn’t guarantee him a starting position, and with the midfielder entering the last year of his contract, the club saw an opportunity for a transfer.

Atletico Madrid picked up the 24-year-old in a £33 million deal, ending his long-term association with Chelsea. His energetic and versatile presence in midfield seems to align well with Diego Simeone’s system in Spain. Although Gallagher has responded to critics who question his technical abilities, he has refrained from criticizing his former club.

The big question is whether Chelsea will regret letting Gallagher go. While the Blues aren’t short of options, his departure has been felt by the fans. In his place, Chelsea signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for £30 million, a player who offers more creative flair and fits Maresca’s tactical vision. While this seems like a smart move on paper, some fans still feel the loss of Gallagher, a homegrown talent.

Given Chelsea’s financial situation and the need for profitable deals, cashing in on Gallagher was likely a tempting option. Dewsbury-Hall, being slightly cheaper and more aligned with Maresca’s style, was seen as a solid replacement.

Could Chelsea Have Avoided Chalobah’s Departure?

While the Gallagher situation may not have been a complete misstep, letting Trevoh Chalobah leave on loan might turn out to be more problematic. Chalobah missed much of the early 2023/24 season due to thigh injuries, making his first appearance under Mauricio Pochettino in February against Manchester City.

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter once described Chalobah as a “soldier.” Despite being highly regarded, Chalobah turned down a move to Nottingham Forest in 2023 after Chelsea had agreed to a £25 million sale.

Chalobah’s ability to play both in central defense and wide positions is something Maresca values. According to FBref stats, Chalobah ranks among the top defenders in Europe for pass completion and attempts per 90 minutes, making him an ideal player for a system focused on ball control.

However, after failing to secure regular minutes at Chelsea, Chalobah joined Crystal Palace on loan. While this move doesn’t include an option to buy, it provides Chalobah with the opportunity to prove himself and perhaps push for a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s Right-Back Dilemma

In the short term, Chelsea could come to regret loaning out Chalobah, especially considering their current issues at right-back. Reece James has struggled with recurring injuries and hasn’t featured yet this season, adding to the defensive concerns.

Malo Gusto has performed well in James’ absence but recently sustained an injury in a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. He has since withdrawn from international duty to focus on recovery in London.

Chalobah’s versatility would have made him a perfect backup for Maresca, particularly given his impressive Premier League stats last year. Described as a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Chalobah’s combative style and passing accuracy make him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s current tactical needs.

Gusto’s injury has magnified Chelsea’s issues at right-back, and with no clear return date for either James or Gusto, Maresca might wish he had kept Chalobah in the squad for this season.