Conor Gallagher flying to Spain to complete Atletico Madrid move ...
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is scheduled to fly to Spain on Tuesday evening in order to complete his move to Atletico Madrid.
The clubs have a deal in place worth €42million (£35.8m), which includes an undisclosed sell-on clause for the Stamford Bridge side.
Personal terms have long been agreed, with the 24-year-old expected to join on a long-term contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The England international has been forced to train alone after his switch to the Spanish capital his complications in recent weeks.
The collapse of Samu Omorodion proposed transfer to Chelsea had delayed Gallagher’s departure, with Atletico needing to raise funds to finalise the deal with a sale.
Atletico had a bid accepted for Gallagher last month with the midfielder also agreeing personal terms and undergoing a medical after flying to the Spanish capital last week.
On Monday, Chelsea agreed a deal with their La Liga counterparts to sign Joao Felix, paving the way for Gallagher complete the switch to Atletico.
Having turned down three offers of a two-year contract extension with a club option to extend for a third, Chelsea indicated to Gallagher that he would be sold to avoid risking losing the 24-year-old on a free transfer next summer.
Gallagher enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 season, providing seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances in all competitions.
He made his first-team debut for the club in August 2022 following a season-long loan stay at Crystal Palace, where he scored eight goals during 34 Premier League appearances.
Gallagher has won 18 caps since making his debut for England in 2021. He played five games during England’s run to the final of the European Championship but was an unused substitute in the defeat to Spain.
(Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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David Ornstein joined The Athletic in October 2019 after 12 years as a sports journalist and correspondent at the BBC. In the role of Football Correspondent, he is responsible for producing exclusive and original stories and interviews, offering unique insight and analysis. He works across video, audio and the written word. Follow David on Twitter @David_Ornstein
