Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has verbally agreed to join Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract, turning down the option to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
According to sources, Gallagher accepted the Spanish club’s offer after late-night talks, with the 23-year-old set to sign a deal until June 2029.
The transfer fee package is reportedly worth €40m.
The move comes after prolonged negotiations between Gallagher’s representatives and Atlético Madrid, with the player ultimately opting for a new challenge in La Liga.
Gallagher’s decision to leave Chelsea may come as a surprise to some, given his impressive performances for the Blues last season.
However, the opportunity to join a top-tier European club like Atlético Madrid was seemingly too good to pass up.
Formal steps are expected to be taken in the morning to confirm the deal, with Gallagher set to put pen to paper on his new contract within the next 24 hours.
This transfer marks a significant coup for Atlético Madrid, who have beaten off competition from other top European clubs to secure Gallagher’s signature.
Born on February 6, 2000, in Epsom, England, Gallagher rose through the youth ranks at Chelsea, joining the club’s academy at the age of eight. He quickly established himself as a promising young player, earning a professional contract with Chelsea in 2018.
Gallagher’s impressive performances for Chelsea’s youth teams and loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, and Crystal Palace earned him a call-up to the England senior team in 2021. He made his international debut in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino, scoring his first goal for England in a 10-0 win.
The 23-year-old midfielder is known for his exceptional vision, passing range, and box-to-box energy, making him a valuable asset for both club and country. Gallagher’s versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, from a deep-lying playmaker to an attacking midfielder.