Conor Gallagher’s Chelsea Return as Atletico Madrid Move Faces Uncertainty

Conor Gallagher is set to return to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday as his proposed transfer to Atletico Madrid remains uncertain. The 24-year-old England international spent five days in Madrid, even visiting Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, but his £33 million move has hit a snag.

The transfer was put on hold after Chelsea’s own deal to sign Spanish striker Samu Omorodion fell through on Sunday due to disagreements over personal terms. With Atletico needing to secure a major sale to fund Gallagher’s transfer—following their £81.5 million signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City—the situation remains delicate.

Though the move isn’t entirely off the table, its collapse is a real possibility. A potential solution could involve Chelsea signing Portugal forward Joao Felix from Atletico, a player who spent six months on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023. If a deal for Felix is struck, it might pave the way for Gallagher’s transfer. However, without an agreement on Felix, Gallagher’s move to Madrid is likely to fall through.

Chelsea are keen to finalize the sale to avoid losing Gallagher on a free transfer, with just 11 months remaining on his contract. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the midfielder’s future lies in London or Madrid.