Chelsea and Atletico Madrid Agree on Joao Felix and Conor Gallagher Swap Deal

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid to bring forward Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge, with midfielder Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal. The fee for Felix, though undisclosed, will see the 24-year-old Portugal international sign a six-year contract with an option for an additional season.

Felix, who previously spent a loan spell at Chelsea in 2023, scoring four goals in 20 appearances, is set to rejoin the London club pending a medical. His return marks a significant addition to Chelsea’s attacking options.

In exchange, England international Conor Gallagher is set to join Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract. Gallagher had been training alone at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground after a week of uncertainty surrounding his transfer. His move was initially delayed due to complications with Chelsea’s pursuit of striker Samu Omorodion, which postponed Atletico’s ability to finalize Gallagher’s £33 million transfer.

Gallagher’s switch to Atletico Madrid comes after he was spotted at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium nine days ago, anticipating the move before returning to London due to the delay.

With this swap deal nearing completion, Chelsea are expected to focus on player sales ahead of the transfer deadline on August 30. The club remains interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, as Napoli continues to pursue a loan deal for Romelu Lukaku. Napoli has reportedly made a second loan offer for Lukaku, which includes a £25.5 million obligation to buy, though this falls short of Chelsea’s £35 million asking price.