Steven Gerrard wants Al Ettifaq to sign Chelsea defender to bolster squad - Reports
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard wants the Saudi Pro League club to sign out-of-favor Chelsea defender Malang Sarr.
Liverpool legend Gerrard took charge of the SPL club at the start of the season. He has EPL veterans like Jordan Henderson, Demarai Gray, and Gini Wijnaldum in his ranks.
Al-Ettifaq's performances, though, have been far from convincing. They are eighth in the Saudi Pro League with 25 points from 19 matches. Gerrard's side trail league leaders Al-Hilal by a massive 28 points.
The pressure is piling up on the legendary midfielder and in a bid to turn his team's fortunes around, Gerrard has set his sights on Sarr. The 24-year-old is yet to play a single minute for Chelsea this season.
The Frenchman spent the 2022-23 season away on loan at Ligue 1 club AS Monaco. He has so far made 21 appearances for the Blues' senior team. Sarr has also represented France's youth side at various age groups.
The 24-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the 2024-25 season and he has an estimated market value of £4 million.
Journalist Ben Jacobs claims Chelsea will sell Conor Gallagher for the right price
Conor Gallagher's Chelsea future has been a hot topic of discussion in recent weeks. Gallagher has been one of the Blues' most consistent players this season, making 25 appearances across competitions.
He has also captained the team in Reece James and Ben Chilwell's injury absences. The 23-year-old, however, continues to be linked with a summer exit.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has now claimed that the player, who is a target for Tottenham Hotspur, could be allowed to leave for £50 million. Speaking about Gallagher's future, Jacobs told the FIVE YouTube channel (via The Boot Room):
“If the right number is hit, then there’s a very realistic possibility that Chelsea decide to cash in on Conor Gallagher. But, he isn’t actively for sale, so he isn’t transfer listed or being touted to clubs. But if a club comes and hits Chelsea’s valuation, then he’ll be allowed to leave."
Gallagher's current deal with the Blues runs out at the end of the 2024-25 season. Mauricio Pochettino, however, reportedly wants Gallagher to be offered a new deal.
Gallagher has been associated with the club for the last 17 years. However, if a sale or a contract extension isn't agreed until the summer, the situation could be complicated as the Blues would face the prospect of losing Gallagher on a free transfer.