Ex-Charlton lynchpin joins Premier League Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Conor Gallagher on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The former Charlton Athletic loanee spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion, where he made 32 appearances and scored two goals for the Baggies.

The Epsom-born midfielder is capped at England U17, U18, U19, U20 and Under-21 level.

Gallagher told Palace TV: “I’m buzzing to be here, I can’t wait to get started, I’m happy to get the deal over the line.

“I spoke to the manager, I liked what he said, I liked how he wants to play, how he wants me to play and how he wants the team to play. I feel like I can learn from him and the players around me.”

Eagles chairman Steve Parish added: “I am delighted Conor has chosen to come to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan after some impressive performances in the Premier League last season.

“We very much look forward to him joining the squad as we continue to build towards the new season.”

Gallagher becomes Palace’s fifth signing under Patrick Vieira, after Joachim Andersen joined Guéhi, Michael Olise and Remi Matthews in south London.

Chairman Steve Parish said: “I am delighted Conor has chosen to come to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan after some impressive performances in the Premier League last season. We very much look forward to him joining the squad as we continue to build towards the new season.”

Gallagher was born and raised 10 minutes from Chelsea’s training ground, between Cobham and Stoke D’Abernon in Surrey, and signed for the club aged eight.

He was a vital figure in Charlton’s early-season form in the 2019-20 season, in a campaign of turmoil marred by ownership problems at The Valley – and his departure to go on loan in January 2020 to their Championship rivals Swansea was a contributing factor in the Addicks’ relegation at the end of that campaign.

PICTURE: SEB FREJ/cpfc.co.uk