Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher has reportedly agreed on a move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, for a record £34 million fee. The 24-year-old midfielder will travel to Spain to finalize the transfer, concluding his 18-year tenure at Chelsea.
The Blues green-lighted the move, ending a prolonged saga over Conor Gallagher‘s future, after having been unable to entice the midfielder into signing a new contract. With just a year left on his Chelsea contract, the midfielder chose to leave the club in search of more playing time. The Blues, on the other hand, have already strengthened their midfield with the signing of Leicester City’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The move might face opposition from fans, who recently criticized the Blues for excluding Gallagher from the first team due to his playing style and his refusal to extend his stay. He had reportedly turned down a two-year contract offer from Chelsea before accepting the Spanish club’s offer, which had a deadline until Sunday. He is expected to sign a five-year contract, becoming the Colchoneros’ third signing after Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Conor Gallagher has verbally agreed terms and said YES to join Atlético Madrid!
‘Here we go’ to follow today after formal steps, five year deal 🧨🏴
La Liga’s record fee this summer, €40m to Chelsea — brokered by Ali Barat from Epic Sports and Paul Nicholls. pic.twitter.com/7rOQgmY2jh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2024
Additionally, the Englishman’s move to Madrid would be a significant blow to EPL sides Tottenham and Aston Villa, both of which were keen on signing him. Gallagher had previously turned down a move to Villa earlier this summer.
Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley emerges as a possible replacement for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher
Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has emerged as a target for Chelsea, in order to replace the outgoing Conor Gallagher. The 23-year-old Danish player had an outstanding season with Celtic, playing a key role in their Scottish Premiership victory.
Matt O’Riley has already attracted several bids, including one from Italian side Atalanta this summer. The 2023-24 season was impressive for O’Riley, as he finished with 18 goals and 16 assists in 43 matches across all competitions. He would be a valuable addition to Chelsea’s lackluster midfield, which has not met expectations.
Interestingly, Atletico Madrid, who are set to sign Gallagher from Chelsea, had previously made an offer to sign the Danish midfielder in January this year but were turned down.
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