Conor Gallagher: Will exit increase gulf between ownership and fanbase?
Gallagher joins the likes of Billy Gilmour (Brighton), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest), Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa), Lewis Hall (Newcastle) and Mason Mount (Manchester United) in terms of Cobham-developed players who have departed since the 2022 takeover.
Boss Enzo Maresca has called on the Premier League to change their financial rules so clubs do not feel “compelled” to sell academy players.
When clubs sell academy graduates the entire transfer fee goes down as ‘pure profit’ in their accounts and can help them navigate the top flight’s strict profit and sustainability rules.
Nevin told BBC Sport: “The ‘legacy’ fans are particularly distraught, but they also understand this is little more than pure economics. He is a home-grown talent, ‘straight outta Cobham’, as it were and that means he represents pure profit when he is sold on.
”The club needs the Gallagher income to boost the coffers having spent more than a billion pounds, only to discover they have the looming Premier League PSR to consider.
“The England star, the club’s most committed performer last season, a sometime captain and a true fans favourite is the next one to be nudged out.”
“It’s not what Conor Gallagher is, it’s what he represents,” added Hayward.
“In a past era of Chelsea, accepting a £33m offer for him from Atletico Madrid would elicit far less of a reaction than it has now.
“Gallagher is a committed, passionate and solid performer. But he is not remarkable. His homegrown status elevates his standing among supporters beyond where he would rank on ability alone.
“But this is not a Chelsea that boasts a midfield containing a Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Claude Makelele, N’Golo Kante or Cesc Fabregas.
“This is a Chelsea that is without a major trophy for three years and has seldom felt further from silverware in its modern history.
“Ticket prices have risen, the public-facing vision remains non-existent and fan favourites are being hastily ushered out of the backdoor.
“When teams are going through challenging periods on the pitch, fans cling to the connection they feel to academy products. Last season, Gallagher’s exuberance was a shining light – especially during the difficult early months.
“So, the de-identification of Chelsea continues and the gulf between ownership and fanbase increases.”
#Conor #Gallagher #exit #increase #gulf #ownership #fanbase