Conor Gallagher’s £33M Move to Atletico Faces Uncertainty

Conor Gallagher will return to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday as his transfer to Atletico Madrid remains uncertain. The 24-year-old England international, who recently visited Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium and spent five days in Madrid, has not finalized his £33 million move. Chelsea’s £34.5 million deal to acquire Spanish striker Samu Omorodion collapsed due to personal terms issues  which stalled Gallagher’s transfer.

Atletico Madrid needs to make a significant sale to fund Gallagher’s transfer after securing Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for £81.5 million. Although Gallagher’s deal isn’t canceled, it remains at risk. Chelsea could resolve the situation if they agree on a fee to sign Portugal forward Joao Felix from Atletico. Felix, eager to return to Chelsea after a 2023 loan spell, could help facilitate Gallagher’s move, but the negotiations are ongoing.

Chelsea aims to sell Gallagher to avoid losing him on a free transfer, with only 11 months left on his contract. Gallagher, who captained Chelsea for much of last season and played five times at Euro 2024, had appeared at Atletico’s stadium, where the club suggested he was there to complete his transfer. The situation resembles the 2013 transfer saga involving Peter Odemwingie, who famously waited at QPR to finalize a move.

Conor Gallagher’s unresolved situation as he returns to England reflects his desire to avoid controversy. Both Chelsea and Atletico remain interested in finalizing the deal, but financial constraints complicate negotiations. Gallagher’s transfer, delayed by unexpected issues, underscores the challenges in high-stakes football transactions.