Atletico Madrid has finalized the signing of Conor Gallagher from Chelsea for a reported £33 million. The 24-year-old England midfielder has joined the Spanish club on a five-year deal, following a period of negotiations.
Gallagher’s connection with Chelsea began when he was just six years old, and over the years, he made 90 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals. With his contract nearing its end next summer, Chelsea decided to transfer him this summer to avoid losing him for free.
In exchange, Atletico’s 24-year-old forward Joao Felix is set to move to Chelsea. Both clubs have agreed on a fee for Felix, who scored four goals in 20 appearances during a loan spell at Chelsea in 2023.
Gallagher’s transfer was delayed due to Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Atletico striker Samu Omorodion. However, the successful agreement for Felix has now cleared the way for Gallagher’s move to be completed.
Before making a name for himself at Chelsea’s first team in the 2022-23 season, Gallagher had loan spells with Charlton, Swansea, West Brom, and Crystal Palace. Since his England debut in 2021, he has earned 18 caps and represented the national team in both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
