Conor Gallagher will leave Chelsea and has confirmed his next destination.
Conor Gallagher is on the brink of completing a high-profile transfer to Atletico Madrid, with the deal receiving confirmation from renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder has reportedly agreed to personal terms with the Spanish giants, despite late attempts by Premier League clubs to derail the move.
Gallagher, who has just 12 months remaining on his Chelsea contract, had been the subject of significant transfer speculation throughout the summer.
Chelsea’s attempt to secure his future with a new three-year contract was thwarted as Gallagher rejected the offer, citing inadequate wage terms.
Subsequently, Chelsea made efforts to expedite Gallagher’s exit by excluding him from first-team training upon their return from a pre-season tour in the United States.
Atletico Madrid emerged as the leading contender for Gallagher’s signature, having negotiated a transfer fee of €40 million (£34.3 million) with Chelsea.
The move was initially complicated by Gallagher’s indecision, which allowed two unnamed Premier League sides to make last-minute bids to hijack the transfer.
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However, despite these late approaches, Gallagher has opted to join Atletico Madrid, where he is expected to sign a five-year deal.
The move represents one of the largest transfers involving a Spanish club this summer and highlights Atletico Madrid’s ambition under Diego Simeone.
Gallagher’s dynamic playing style and energetic midfield presence are seen as key additions to an Atletico side aiming to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Gallagher’s departure from Chelsea marks the end of a chapter that also saw several other players exit Stamford Bridge this summer, including Thiago Silva, Ian Maatsen, and Malang Sarr.
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As Gallagher prepares for his new adventure in La Liga, he leaves behind a Chelsea squad undergoing significant changes.
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, is likely to be particularly disappointed, as he had shown a keen interest in bringing Gallagher to Spurs.
With Gallagher’s move to Atletico now imminent, all that remains is the completion of his medical and the official signing of his contract, paving the way for his integration into Atletico’s squad for the upcoming season.