Conor Gallagher gone; Joao Felix in
Chelsea complete two big bits of transfer business
Last updated 21st Aug 2024
England midfielder Conor Gallagher has completed his move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid, the clubs have announced.
At the same time - making the move in the opposite direction - the Blues have signed Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a seven year contract.
Gallagher, 24, who had been at Chelsea since the age of six, has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish outfit.
A statement from the LaLiga club read: "Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Conor Gallagher, who has signed for the club until 2029."
While Portuguese forward Felix returns to Stamford Bridge after a successful loan spell last year.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is confident new signing Joao Felix can make a big impact back at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca told a press conference: "He is a good player, a talent. The club already knows him from two years ago. He can play different positions with us, inside, as a nine, outside."
Chelsea statement on Conor Gallagher
In a statement from Chelsea they say: "Conor joins the La Liga club after an 18-year association with Chelsea which began at the age of six, when he started on a training path with our Academy that led to becoming a regular in the Premier League and on the international stage with England.
"He enjoyed success throughout his time in our Academy, twice winning the FA Youth Cup and Under-18 Premier League and lifting the Under-18 Premier League Cup. At the end of the 2018/19 campaign, Conor was named Chelsea Academy Player of the Year.
"He embarked on his first loan spell the following season, during which he impressed at Charlton Athletic and then at Swansea City, where he helped the Welsh club finish in the Championship play-off positions.
"Premier League experience was gained with a season at West Bromwich Albion. Another at Crystal Palace followed and ended with Conor scoring eight goals in all competitions, being named the club’s 2021/22 Player of the Year, and earning his first cap for England.
"Conor’s performances at Selhurst Park also secured him a place in the Chelsea senior squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. He made his first-team debut against Everton on the opening day and scored his first Blues goal, a 90th-minute winner, away at Crystal Palace in October. It was a strike that would later be named Chelsea Goal of the Season.
"Last term, the 24-year-old played 50 games in the Blues’ midfield and, in the absence of our captain Reece James and vice-captain, regularly wore the armband. He finished the campaign as part of the England squad which reached the final of the European Championship in Germany.
"A 2019 Europa League winner with the club, Conor departs having made 95 appearances and scored ten goals for the club.
"We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career."
Chelsea are trying to reduce their large squad, with Gallagher leaving his boyhood side - and Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell expected to follow.