By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Conor Gallagher is set to resume training at Chelsea’s Cobham facility on Wednesday after returning to London, with his transfer to Atletico Madrid still uncertain. The 24 year old England international was recently spotted at Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday and had been staying in a Madrid hotel for five days. However, his £33 million transfer has yet to be finalized.
The move has stalled due to Chelsea's unsuccessful attempt to secure Spanish striker Samu Omorodion for £34.5 million, which fell through on Sunday over personal terms.
Atletico Madrid, having just signed Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for £81.5 million on Monday, need to make a significant sale to fund their pursuit of Gallagher. While his transfer is not entirely off the table, it is at risk of falling apart.
There is potential for the deal to proceed if Chelsea can agree on a fee for Portugal forward Joao Felix, who is interested in returning to Stamford Bridge after a six month loan spell in 2023. However, if a deal for Felix cannot be reached, Gallagher’s transfer may ultimately collapse.
Chelsea is eager to finalize the sale to avoid losing Gallagher on a free transfer next year, as he has just 11 months remaining on his contract. Gallagher, who captained Chelsea for much of the previous season, also made five appearances for England at Euro 2024.
On Saturday, Atletico Madrid had posted a picture of Gallagher at their stadium, suggesting that his transfer was close to completion.
