Why Atletico Madrid Striker Samu Omorodion Rejected Chelsea

Atletico Madrid striker, Samu Omorodion, rejected a move to Chelsea due to a disagreement over image rights, according to reports in Spain.

Chelsea appeared to be on course to sign Omorodion after agreeing a €40 million (£34.5m) deal with Atletico Madrid.

However, Omorodion’s transfer to Stamford Bridge fell through over the weekend due to an inability to agree on personal terms.

According to El Chiringuito, the dispute centered around Chelsea’s desire to buy 50 percent of Omorodion’s rights.

The report suggests that Omorodion believes Chelsea has shown a lack of force with their proposal and as a result, the 20-year-old is unwilling to negotiate any further.

Omorodion, who scored eight goals in 35 appearances during his loan spell with Alaves last season and won an Olympic gold medal with Spain’s men’s football side this summer, is now expected to remain at Atletico.

Chelsea have now switched their focus to re-signing Joao Felix from Atletico.

The 24-year-old, who spent five months on loan at Chelsea last year, has already indicated that he is willing to return to Stamford Bridge for a second spell.

Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have been compelled to return to negotiations, as the transfer was proceeding alongside Conor Gallagher’s potential move to the La Liga club. 

However, Gallagher’s transfer is now in doubt, as he has been told that he would have a limited role season if he stays at his childhood club.

Joao Felix spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 10 goals in 44 appearances.

Speaking in June, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, claimed that the club’s new head coach, Hansi Flick, was keen to keep Felix at Camp Nou.