Transfer News: Felix and Gallagher swap clubs
Another day, another Chelsea transfer story
Chelsea have secured the signing of Portuguese forward João Félix from Atlético Madrid for an estimated £45 million, with England midfielder Conor Gallagher heading in the opposite direction for around £33 million.
Félix, 24, has committed to a seven-year contract, marking his return to Stamford Bridge after a loan spell in 2023 where he netted four goals in 20 appearances for the West London club.
Meanwhile, Gallagher has penned a five-year deal with the Spanish top-flight side. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea as a youngster, making 90 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals.
With just one year left on his contract, Chelsea were keen to sell Gallagher this summer rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
Gallagher's transfer to Spain was delayed due to the collapse of Chelsea’s negotiations to sign Atlético striker Samu Omorodion. However, Félix’s move has now provided Atlético with the funds needed to finalise the deal.
Earlier this month, Gallagher spent five days in Madrid expecting the transfer to go through, only to return to London when talks stalled.
Gallagher had previously had loan spells at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom, and Crystal Palace before breaking into Chelsea’s first team at the start of the 2022-23 season.
He has earned 18 caps for England since his debut in 2021 and was included in the squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
Chelsea fans annoyance at Gallagher's departure
Conor Gallagher progressed from being an eight-year-old Chelsea academy signing to eventually wearing the captain's armband. However, after 16 years with the club he grew up supporting, the English midfielder's time at Chelsea has come to an end with his move to Atletico Madrid for approximately £33m.
Some Chelsea supporters are disappointed by the departure of the 24-year-old, arguing that the exit of homegrown talent like Gallagher further widens the gap between the club's ownership and the fanbase.
Lewis, a Chelsea fan, told us: "It seems crazy that we are pushing players out of the club who love playing for us. Instead, we are signing those who have zero connection with us."
