Last week, Chelsea agreed to a £33 million transfer offer from Atletico Madrid, but there were doubts about whether England international Conor Gallagher was keen on the move. However, on Sunday night, Gallagher, aged 24, confirmed his willingness to join Atletico, signaling his approval of the switch.
He is now set to travel to complete his medical examination and sign the contract, marking the end of his 18-year association with Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had proposed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year, but Gallagher found this arrangement unsatisfactory due to the contract’s duration and the less prominent role he would play.
A clear disconnect had surfaced between Gallagher and Chelsea, as his playing style did not align with new manager Enzo Maresca’s possession-focused approach, and he was unlikely to secure a regular starting spot under the Italian coach.
With less than a year remaining on his current contract, Gallagher, who featured in five matches at Euro 2024, faced limited options at Chelsea. To facilitate Gallagher’s departure, Chelsea preferred selling him to an overseas club rather than a domestic competitor, leading to the reduced price deal with Atletico.