Conor Gallagher Finally Completes Transfer To Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, As João Felix Set To Moves The Other Way.

Atletico Madrid have finally confirmed the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea bringing to an end all saga after a few late twists and turns surrounding his departure.

The 24-year-old midfielder has completed his €40m (£33m) transfer to Atletico Madrid today, signing a five-year contract with Diego Simeone’s side. 

The long-awaited transfer looked set to go ahead last week already, but the corresponding PSR transaction going the other way, Chelsea signing striker Samu Omorodion, collapsed in the final stretch. 

Gallagher joined Chelsea at the age of six and went on to make 90 appearances, scoring 10 goals.

He had entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge so the West London club wanted to sell now to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Atletico remained determined to sign Gallagher, having been impressed by him during his five-day stay in Madrid and how he handled the situation, which only reinforced their desire to have him in their squad. 

The England international passed a medical while in Madrid, and had been pictured in the Wanda Metropolitano by the club, before having to return.

"To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true," Gallagher wrote on Instagram. 

"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."

As it stands, Atletico Madrid's forward Joao Felix is set to move in the other direction after Chelsea agreed a fee in principle for the Portugal international.

The fee is believed to be a £42m fixed fee, plus £4.3m in add-ons, with the funds allowing Atletico to complete a deal for Gallagher.

The 24-year-old forward is expected to sign a six-year contract that includes the option for a further year.

Felix scored four goals in 20 appearances during a loan spell in west London in 2023.

Chelsea will also try to sign a new striker during this window after they complete a deal for Felix.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen has been a target all summer but at the moment Chelsea would not sign him on a permanent deal.