“I liken him to a Jordan Henderson” - Joe Cole insists 24-year-old Chelsea star can ‘keep getting better and better’
Joe Cole has likened Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher to Jordan Henderson and has claimed that the former can keep getting better with time.
Gallagher, 24, has been an influential player for the Blues this season. He has made 43 appearances across competitions this season, scoring five goals and providing eight assists.
Gallagher is an academy product of the Blues and has so far made 88 appearances for the senior team. He has also captained the team this term in Reece James and Ben Chilwell's injury absence.
Cole has claimed that the 12-time England international has continuously progressed with time and has tipped him to become even better in the future. He said (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
"I liken him to Jordan Henderson, he has got better. And he has been influential in this team. Every year I have watched him play, he has got better. And he has been influential in this team."
Gallagher, though, is out of contract at the end of the 2024-25 season. His future remains in doubt as the player is yet to sign a new deal. Reports suggest that the Blues could look to part ways with the academy player in the summer to sort out their finances. Tottenham Hotspur has previously shown interest in the player and were linked with a January transfer.
Chelsea eye Dani Olmo as Conor Gallagher's replacement: reports
Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo. The club reportedly want to sign the Spain international as a replacement for Gallagher in the number 10 role.
Selling Gallagher would ease the club's financial situation, giving them the chance to pursue Olmo. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Leipzig won't negotiate with potential suitors regarding Olmo's price. Any interested party would have to shell out the player's €60 million release clause.
Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Olmo. Meanwhile, according to GOAL, Newcastle United sent scouts to watch Gallagher in action as the Tynesiders contemplate a move for the 24-year-old.