David Ornstein believes the Conor Gallagher situation doesn’t “really reflect well on the game” as the midfielder remains in limbo over a move to Atletico Madrid.
Despite being one of Chelsea’s standout performers last season the Blues have made it pretty clear they want to sell the England international, who has less than a year left on his contract.
Chelsea and Atletico have agreed a fee worth £33.7m for the midfielder and Gallagher has agreed terms on a five year contract and undergone his medical.
Gallagher situation doesn’t reflect well on the game
However, the collapse of Chelsea’s move for Atletico striker Samu Omorodion has stalled proceedings and the Enngland international has been unable to finalise his move to the Spanish capital.
Gallagher, who had been in Madrid since last Thursday returned to London on Wednesday and is awaiting a resolution so he can complete his move.
It’s likely his transfer depends on the Blues agreeing a fee for Joao Felix, but the whole situation appears to be a mess.
Ornstein has shared his view on the saga and believes it doesn’t really reflect well on the game.
“Yeah, it’s not a good situation, and it doesn’t really reflect well on the game,” he told Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel.
“It also has echoes of Mason Mount a year ago. So we’ve been through this before, and a question I’d ask you is, if he wanted to stay enough and there was appreciation on behalf of Chelsea, then they should have agreed a new contract.
“They should have found a compromise. The fact that they haven’t suggests that one of the parties, at least, isn’t happy. Does Connor Gallagher want to commit his future to the club? Was he unhappy with the contract offer? Was he eyeing free agency? Only He can say that.
“If Chelsea don’t see him as part of their plans, or they’re not prepared for him to go into his last year, or (Enzo) Maresca doesn’t feel that he fits his style of play, then they’re entitled to that opinion as well.
“But is Connor Gallagher good enough in your eyes? Do you think he’s better than Caicedo, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez, and if the Chelsea hierarchy, and head coach don’t think so. Do you think they have a legitimate reason to want to trade him or not? There’s no new contract there.”