Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has finalized an agreement to join Atletico Madrid for a fee of £33 million. The deal follows the Blues’ acceptance of Atletico’s offer last week, although initial uncertainty lingered regarding Gallagher’s willingness to make the move.
On Sunday night, Gallagher, 24, communicated to Atletico officials that he is prepared to transition to the Spanish side. The Chelsea academy product is now anticipated to travel to Spain to undergo a medical examination and finalize his contract, marking the conclusion of his 18-year tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Chelsea proposing a two-year contract with an option for an additional year, Gallagher found the terms unsatisfactory, primarily due to the contract’s length and the limited role offered within the squad. Reports suggest a growing divide between Gallagher and Chelsea, as he appeared to be ill-suited for the possession-based approach of new manager Enzo Maresca, which would likely limit his opportunities as a regular starter.
Gallagher, who participated in five matches during Euro 2024, has under one year remaining on his existing Chelsea contract. The club opted to sell him to an overseas team rather than a domestic rival, enabling Atletico to secure a favorable deal.
