Atletico Madrid Completes Signing Of England Midfielder Conor Gallagher From Chelsea

Atletico Madrid have signed England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea on a five-year deal, the La Liga and the Premier League clubs said on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract with Atlético, bringing to an end what had become something of a summer saga after the deal initially stalled, forcing Gallagher, who had been at Chelsea since the age of six, to train with the club’s under-21 squad.

“Atlético Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Conor Gallagher, who has signed for the club until 2029,” read an Atlético statement. Chelsea followed that up with a social media video looking back at Gallagher’s time at the club, alongside a message that read.

“Conor Gallagher has completed a permanent transfer to Atlético Madrid. We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”

Conor Gallagher Career Path

Gallagher made 95 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 10 goals during his time with them. The England international also served as captain on several occasions last season.

His departure is expected to pave the way for João Félix to finalize his permanent transfer from Atlético to Chelsea. The Portugal forward is set to return to Stamford Bridge completing six months there in 2023.

Gallagher spent the early part of his senior career on loan, including spells at Premier League clubs West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, and did not make his Chelsea debut until 2022.

Last season Gallagher started 37 Premier League games, missing just one league match through suspension, and spent most of the campaign as club captain due to injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

Gallagher had one year left on his Chelsea contract, and new manager Enzo Maresca recently stated that he had been offered a new contract.

He made his England debut in 2021, has 18 caps, and has since accumulated 18 caps. He also participated in five matches during Euro 2024, where England advanced to the final but fell short against Spain, losing 2-1.