Jurgen Klopp has been advised to add Conor Gallagher as Jordan Henderson's successor at Liverpool.
The midfielder has excelled during his loan spell at Crystal Palace this term. The Chelsea academy graduate spent time away in the second tier but has now proved he can cut it in the top flight with West Brom and the Eagles. He's scored eight times and is being tipped as a possible World Cup wildcard with England.
Henderson has been an integral figure with the Reds and the Three Lions. He penned a new four-year deal at Anfield in August last year but, at the age of 31, attention at Anfield will soon turn to filling the void Henderson will eventually leave. Gallagher is being tipped for big things such has been his rapid rise.
Liverpool have continued to nail their recruitment, recently adding Luis Diaz in attack for what looks an excellent price. Now they have been urged to consider raiding their Premier League rivals for a player whose future remains uncertain. "I think for any team who are rebuilding would like Conor Gallagher," Charlie Austin told talkSPORT.
"He’s so energetic, you look at him the way he plays, the way he carries himself. I think a lot of football fans see him play and think, ‘I’d like him at my football club’. I do believe that. I would say he would be, not a replacement, but Jordan Henderson, I’d put him in there when Jordan moves on, or retires or goes into a different football role, he [Gallagher] would be great."
Chelsea have seen a host of young players further their careers via loan spells before selling them on for big fees. Now there is a bigger push to find a route into the first-team for their blossoming stars, but they are not short of midfield talent, which could hamper Gallagher.
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Thomas Tuchel is currently rotating between the likes of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, the German coach does see a place for Gallagher, who will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but accepts that situation has to suit the club and the player.
Tuchel said: “I believe Conor can be a part of our squad and can play a role with us. But I am not the only one to decide. We need to speak after the season with everybody, speak after the season about what Conor wants, we need to see what the situation is and what role we have for him that he can fight for.
“There needs to be something to fight, a role and perspective of where you are, where you can be, what you need to achieve. So we have to be very clear with him and he needs to be clear with us. Then we will sort it out. His development is extraordinary and outstanding."
