Check the oil level in the transmission.

The shaft the release bearing runs on may be dry. This is quite difficult to
get at. You MAY be able to put a long hose on a WD 40 can, take the release
arm boot off and get some WD40 onto the shaft. Its probably not this,as
otherwise you have to take out the transmission.

Your clutch may also be nearly worn out. Whats the mileage on the car?

Look under the dash at the lever that pushes the clutch master. This bolts
on to the end of the pedal pivot shaft, using a slotted hole. This hole can
deform, preventing the clutch from fully releasing. The pedal pivot shaft
has synthetic bushes (Delrin?) that wear out. This can make the pedal bind
on its pivot housing. If the clutch pedal has significant R-L slop, or/and
large up-down slop, there's wear to be fixed. I removed the pedal assembly
from my 93 Expo wagon (same principle as the Galant) and had a machine shop
make new tighter bushes.

A/C belt idler bearing? May also be cam belt tensioner bearing(s).

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a look.