Conor Gallagher faces awkward return to Chelsea training with Atletico Madrid move in limbo

His move has hit a stumbling block.

Aug 14, 2024 - 04:00

Conor Gallagher faces awkward return to Chelsea training with Atletico Madrid move in limbo

Manchester City v Chelsea - Emirates FA Cup Semi Final — Conor Gallagher is in the centre of a true transfer saga (Picture: Getty Images)

Conor Gallagher is set to return to Chelsea training on Wednesday after flying back from Spain with his move to Atletico Madrid still not over the line.

The England international’s move to Atleti is proving to be one of the transfer sagas of the summer and it took a new twist on Tuesday night as he flew back to London.

The 24-year-old has been in the Spanish capital for the last five days in the hope of sealing his switch to join Diego Simeone’s side.

A fee of around £34.5m has been agreed, Gallagher has come to terms with the Spanish club, so everything looked good to go, but Atletico Madrid must now sell to be able to confirm the deal.

They have already completed an incredible £81m move to sign Julian Alvarez from Manchester City and cannot do the Gallagher deal without bringing in some money.

Chelsea looked to be the answer to the problem as they agreed a €40m (£34.5m) deal to sign 20-year-old striker Samu Omorodion from Atleti, but the young forward has since turned down the chance to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are now in talks over a move for Joao Felix, who spent time on loan with the club last year, scoring four Premier League goals in 16 appearances.

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League — Joao Felix is open to moving to Chelsea, facilitating Gallagher’s transfer in the process (Picture: Getty Images)

The 24-year-old is interested in a return to Chelsea and is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid, where he appears to have no future under Simeone.

There are plenty of moving parts to the deals, but there is will from all sides to complete Gallaghers move to Spain as he has been told he will not have the prominent role in the first team he enjoyed last season if he is to be at the club for the forthcoming campaign.

Both Chelsea and Atletico Madrid get their new league campaigns underway in the coming days, with the Premier League outfit taking on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while the La Liga club go to Villarreal on Monday night.

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