Conor Gallagher says he is buzzing to be playing in the Championship this season after joining Charlton Athletic on loan from Chelsea, having signed a new contract with the Blues.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who was Chelsea's academy player of the year last season, has become Lee Bowyer's eighth summer signing after joining the Addicks on a season-long loan, as recently reported by football.london .
And he could be involved this weekend as Charlton kick off the new Championship season with a trip to face Blackburn Rovers, with Gallagher set to travel with his new team-mates today (Friday).
Speaking about his move in an interview for Charlton's website , Gallagher said. “I’m buzzing! I’m very happy to be here and can’t wait to get started. I wanted to play in the Championship and Charlton is a great club to come to.
"I just want to play as much as possible and the opportunity is there to do that here.”
The 19-year-old travelled with the Blues first team for the first pre-season match in Ireland this summer, before being one of the eight players to return to Cobham after the match with Bohemians.
Along with George McEachran, Gallagher was added to the Europa League 'B' List last season for Chelsea's final group stage match, however did not make the trip to face MOL Vidi.
However, he was named as one of the substitutes for the final against Arsenal in Baku, with the Blues hit with some injury problems.
He was, however, an unused substitute.
After an impressive season in the UEFA Youth League and Development Squad, Galllagher was named the Academy Player of the Year for the 2018/19 campaign.
And now, he will continue his development in the Championship with the Addicks, having signed a new contract with Chelsea to stay with his boyhood club until at least 2022.
But for now, he will get his first experience of senior football on loan at Charlton, much to the delight of Bowyer.
He said: "He’s an exciting young player. He can put his foot in, create, score and has a bit of everything so I’m over the moon to have him through the door.
"Clubs like Chelsea recognise what we have done previously with the young midfielders we had last season and this will be no different. I’d like to thank them for the part they played in Conor coming to us.”
Gallagher will wear the number 11 shirt at Charlton this season.
