Conor Gallagher completes move to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea

Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher has completed a transfer to Spanish side Atletico Madrid, as announced by the Premier League club on Wednesday.

Gallagher’s move could pave the way for Atletico forward Joao Felix to return to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea reportedly agreeing to a £40 million ($51 million) fee for the 24-year-old. Felix previously had a lackluster six-month loan spell with Chelsea during the second half of the 2022-23 season, where he scored four goals in 20 appearances.

The deal for Gallagher was finalized after an earlier move to Atletico collapsed last week when Chelsea couldn’t secure a deal for Atletico’s striker, Samu Omorodion.

Atletico Madrid needed to offload Omorodion or another player to finance the acquisition of Gallagher, who had been training alone since returning to Chelsea after being spotted in Spain ahead of the proposed £33 million transfer.

During the 2022-23 season, Gallagher played 50 games for Chelsea, often donning the captain’s armband in Reece James’ absence.

The 24-year-old, who won the 2019 Europa League with Chelsea, departs the club after making 95 appearances and scoring 10 goals.