‘Chelsea needs him’… Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink urges Mauricio Pochettino not to sell 23-year-old in January

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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Chelsea to make sure they don’t sell Conor Gallagher.

It’s been a difficult first half of the season at Stamford Bridge because of inconsistent results, but Conor Gallagher’s form has been one of the biggest positives.

The 23-year-old midfielder has emerged as a key player for Mauricio Pochettino. In fact, he’s even captained the side several times this year when Reece James and Ben Chilwell have botht been missing through injury.

However, there’s transfer speculation in the media regarding the England international’s future at Chelsea.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink message

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink insists that the Blues desperately need to keep hold of Gallagher.

Hasselbaink told Amazon Prime Sport (7:08pm, 27 December): “They need know-how and that’s what he (Gallagher) gives you. He’s one of the seniors in the team. He’s the captain as well. He’s come through the ranks. I’m surprised to hear that they might move him on. I don’t hope that they do because he gives you the balance that at the moment you don’t have. Yes, 18 months on his contract doesn’t help his situation, but I think Chelsea needs Gallagher at this moment to stay.”

Chelsea must not sell Conor Gallagher

We definitely agree that it would be foolish from Chelsea to get rid of Gallagher.

He’s got 18 months left on his contract in West London, so the club needs to come to an agreement with him to extend his stay.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported via X this week that Chelsea will consider transfer offers between £45-50m for Gallagher. This is despite Blues head coach Pochettino being a big fan of his.

We understand the possible temptation to cash in on pure profit for the academy graduate, but he’s simply too important to this group.

Many youngsters in the Blues squad are underperforming and learning their craft still, but Gallagher’s showing what it means to play for Chelsea with his dedicated performances every week.

We’re predicting a major backlash from the fanbase if the midfielder does end up leaving in 2024.