Chelsea star midfielder Conor Gallagher has completed a lucrative move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of £34m.
The 24-year-old England international has signed a five-year contract with the La Liga club, finally resolving the summer saga that ensued when the deal initially hit a roadblock.
Gallagher, who had been with Chelsea since he was six years old, was temporarily training with the club’s under-21 squad during the negotiation period.
Atletico Madrid confirmed the transfer with a statement that reads: “Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Conor Gallagher, who has signed for the club until 2029.”
Chelsea also wrote on their official website to confirm the transfer and expressed well wishes for Gallagher as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.
Meanwhile, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the news on his X page: “Official, exclusive story finally confirmed. Conor Gallagher signs in as new Atlético Madrid player from Chelsea.
“Fee will be €42m fixed and guaranteed, contract already signed last week and it’s all sealed now.”
Gallagher expressed gratitude to Chelsea
In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Gallagher expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the team’s shirt and captain the squad on multiple occasions.
He wrote: “To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true. It’s been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt, and it was a dream come true to captain the team on many occasions.”
“I loved every moment. These memories will last forever. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans.”
Conor Gallagher stint and achievement at Chelsea
Conor Gallagher began his career with Chelsea and has had a successful run on loan at various clubs in the EFL Championship and Premier League.
The 24-year-old made his first-team debut at Chelsea during the 2022-23 season after spending time at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, and Crystal Palace on loan between 2019 and 2022.
Gallagher, who won the 2019 Europa League with Chelsea, leaves the London side after 95 appearances and 10 goals.
Last season, the England international played 50 games for Chelsea and often captained the team in the absence of Reece James.
Conor Gallagher’s move to Madrid has triggered Joao Felix return to Chelsea
Conor Gallagher’s move has triggered the arrival of Atletico forward Joao Felix, with Chelsea reportedly agreeing to a huge fee to bring the 24-year-old back to Stamford Bridge.
The transfer deal is reported to be at a guaranteed fee of £42 million, with an additional £4.3 million possible through add-ons, potentially raising the total transfer value to over £46 million.
In addition, the Portuguese young forward is likely to sign a six-year deal with the option for an extra year.
Romano confirmed Joao Felix’s return to Stamford Bridge on his X page, stating that the 24-year-old Portuguese has joined on a permanent deal.
Romano wrote: “Official, exclusive story confirmed. João Félix returns to Chelsea from Atléti on permanent deal.”
The 24-year-old Portuguese expressed his delight in signing for the Blues on a permanent deal and can’t wait to start adorning the Blue jersey.
Romano included Joao Felix’s words, stating: “I’m really happy to be back at Chelsea and I can’t wait to get started”.
“I loved my time here before and I told my friends that I’d love to return to PL one day”.
The Portugal forward returns to Stamford Bridge after spending six months there on loan in 2023, scoring four goals in 20 appearances.
The transfer of Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid and Joao Felix to Chelsea is undeniably a mutually beneficial deal that promises to bring success to both clubs. What are your thoughts on these transfers?
