Chelsea since birth is Gallagher exit a soulless ploy or sense?

Conor Gallagher went from being an eight-year-old Chelsea academy signing to wearing the captain’s armband.

Yet his 16-year spell at the club he grew up supporting is over following the England midfielder’s move to Atletico Madrid for about £33m.

Some Chelsea supporters are upset at the 24-year-old’s departure, claiming homegrown Gallagher’s exit increases the gulf between the ownership and the fanbase.

Others appear fine with it, external and believe the money for a player who was out of contract next summer will help balance the books.

While the debate among fans goes on, Gallagher is beginning the next chapter of his career in Spain where he faces a showdown with England team-mate Jude Bellingham on 29 September when Atletico host Real Madrid in La Liga.

He leaves behind a club on its fourth permanent manager since Chelsea’s £4.25bn sale  to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital in May 2022.

Gallagher also leaves behind a club that has finished 12th and sixth the previous two seasons – and which has continued to spend big this summer.

Has his exit put new boss Enzo Maresca and the owners under even more pressure?

“There is only one thing that eases this tension and that is results on the pitch,” said Chelsea fan Nat Hayward.

“Lets hope, for their sake, it is a positive start to the season.”

Top 5 prediction site Nizaar Kinsella, said: “It’s safe to say that sections of the fanbase have raised their eyebrows over the treatment and departure of a homegrown midfielder, who clearly loved the club.

“There are a lot of parallels to Mason Mount’s departure to Manchester United last summer – as two popular homegrown stars felt they were pushed out.

“Ultimately, Chelsea don’t believe Gallagher, who has exceptional energy level and fitness, is as good at playing the short passing game that will soon characterise the club.

“But it won’t stop some supporters feeling that all these sales of academy players are a soulless ploy to cover transfer market mistakes and keep them compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.”

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin, added: “There was no need to spin it that Conor wasn’t wanted because of the new possession style.

“The club have been keen to cash in on him for a season or more, the fans know this so don’t insult their intelligence with that line. I would wish Conor the best whether he ended up in a Spanish villa or Aston Villa. He just needs somewhere his talents and fabulous attitude are valued.”