Paul Robinson reacts as Leeds United miss out on Conor Gallagher
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson believes Conor Gallagher missed out on “something special” by choosing to sign for Crystal Palace over Leeds United.
Palace signed the 21-year-old on a season-long loan from Chelsea last week but, according to 90min, the ex-West Brom loanee underwent a medical at Leeds before opting to join the Eagles.
It was reported that Gallagher was set on joining Leeds to the point where he’d had his medical checks before Palace hijacked the deal.
Robinson does not feel as though moving to Palace would have guaranteed Gallagher more game-time but he may have wanted to join a club that was simply closer to home for the season.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, the ex-Whites goalkeeper said: “It’s a loss for Leeds because he’s a good player.
“I don’t think he would have struggled for game-time at Leeds, I think he would have played.
“Whether it was to do with location – where he lives, where his family are and his parent club Chelsea – I don’t know the reasons.
“But for me, between Leeds and Crystal Palace, there’s only one sensible choice and that’s Leeds.
“If he wasn’t given assurances over game-time, no one can be given assurances these days because squads are so big and so strong.
“Leeds have missed out because I think he’s a good player but I also think he’s missed out on being part of something special at Leeds.
“There are arguments for both sides but both parties have missed out.”
Leeds are widely reported to be in the hunt for a new central midfielder this summer.
Pablo Hernandez left the Yorkshire club at the end of last season while Leeds also struggled in that area last term in the Premier League with Mateusz Klich’s form dropping.
Gallagher did well on loan at West Brom last season but he’s not Palace’s player – for the season, at least.
It remains to be seen how much of a miss he’ll be.
In other Leeds United news, everything indicates the Whites are set to sign this international midfielder.