Conor Gallagher back at Chelsea as Atletico Madrid transfer falls through

Conor Gallagher has returned to Chelsea after his planned transfer to Atlético Madrid has encountered delays.

Last month, Atlético’s bid of approximately €42 million (£36 million) for the midfielder was accepted.

Gallagher, who also agreed on personal terms and completed a medical, had stayed in Madrid to finalize the move and was seen on the Civitas Metropolitano pitch.

Although the transfer to Atletico could still be completed, Gallagher has now returned to the UK at Chelsea’s request.

With less than three weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, his immediate future remains uncertain.

Chelsea’s Premier League season kicks off against Manchester City on Sunday.

Conor Gallagher will not resume training immediately and will undergo medical testing as part of the standard procedure for players returning from holiday.

Other players with uncertain futures, such as Romelu Lukaku and Trevoh Chalobah, are currently training separately from the first team.

Chelsea’s stance is to avoid disrupting preparations for the new season with players who are not in their plans, preferring instead that they focus on securing transfers elsewhere.

Gallagher was granted extended leave by Chelsea following his key role in Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2024, where he made five appearances in the team’s run to the final.

A related deal involving Atlético striker Samu Omorodion moving to England fell through over the weekend due to issues finalizing the 20-year-old’s contract.

Chelsea has since been offered the chance to sign João Félix, who previously spent the latter half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge.

Former Manchester City forward Julián Álvarez joined Atlético in a deal worth up to €95 million on Monday.

Chelsea had previously offered Gallagher a two-year contract extension with a club option for a third year, putting him on similar wages to midfielders Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.

However, Gallagher declined the offer, and Chelsea indicated that they would seek to sell him to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Gallagher had an impressive 2023-24 season, contributing seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

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