Atletico Madrid have signed midfielder, Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.
Gallagher’s departures came after Chelsea decided that he was no longer part of their plans under new manager, Enzo Maresca, amidst his eagerness to stay despite having one year left on his contract.
Chelsea however stood firm in their desire to move him on amidst lengthy talks, which led the Epsom-born England international to accept Atletico’s five-year contract offer until June 2029.
Following further discussions between clubs, Chelsea accepted a €42m (£36.1m) fee from Atletico which meant that Gallagher’s 16-year spell at Stamford Bridge came to an end.
In a short tribute, Chelsea simply wished Gallagher well at Atletico Madrid.
“We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”
Gallagher meanwhile shared a farewell message to Chelsea fans on Instagram in which he spoke of the “absolute honor” to play for the Blues and “dream” to be captain on occasions.
View this post on Instagram
Gallagher began his career at Chelsea where he graduated through their youth academy but was sent on loan to Charlton and Swansea in 2019-20 season, where he scored six goals – which all came for Charlton – in 47 total appearances.
He then went on loan to West Brom in 2020-21 season but could only manage two goals in 32 appearances.
Gallagher found his stride the next season at Crystal Palace with eight goals and five assists plus a run to 2021-22 FA Cup semi-finals, where he was ineligible to feature as the Eagles lost to his parent club – Chelsea.
Once back at the Blues, Gallagher managed to produce 10 goals and assists apiece in 95 appearances across the last two seasons.
The 24 year-old heads to Atletico with 18 senior international caps for England, during which he was part of the Three Lions’ squad that finished runner-up to Spain at UEFA Euro 2024.
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