Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid has stalled less than four days after the Spanish side pictured the Chelsea midfielder visiting their Metropolitano Stadium home, according to reports.
The 24-year-old had been in Madrid since Friday to complete a £33 million deal but will return to training at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday, BBC Sport has said.
The move is said to have halted because Chelsea could not agree personal terms with Atleti striker Samu Omorodion on Sunday, having agreed a £34.5m transfer for the 20-year-old.
Atleti need to fund the Gallagher signing after paying £81.5m for Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez on Monday.
Conor Gallagher visited the Cívitas Metropolitano as Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea FC finalise his transfer. pic.twitter.com/InhSgIXXmM
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 9, 2024
The outlet said the deal for Gallagher is “under threat of collapse” but could be salvaged by the Premier League club making a move for Atleti forward Joao Felix, who spent six months on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023.
Gallagher was Chelsea captain for much of last season but is out of contract at the end of the campaign and yet to agree new terms.
Chelsea’s competitive campaign starts at home to Manchester City in the top flight on Sunday (4.30pm BST).
Conor Gallagher Chelsea stats
Gallagher started all 37 Premier League matches he was available for in 2023/24, captaining the Blues while scoring five times and providing seven assists.
He has been at the club since 2008, including loan spells with Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace since becoming a first-team squad member in 2019.
In his breakthrough season at Chelsea in 2022/23, Gallagher featured in all but four matches he was in contention for in all competitions, helping his side reach the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Conor Gallagher has verbally agreed terms and said YES to join Atlético Madrid!
‘Here we go’ to follow today after formal steps, five year deal 🧨🏴
La Liga’s record fee this summer, €40m to Chelsea — brokered by Ali Barat from Epic Sports and Paul Nicholls. pic.twitter.com/7rOQgmY2jh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2024
Conor Gallagher England career
The former England youth international made his senior Three Lions debut as a substitute in a 10-0 win over San Marino in November 2021.
Selection for the 2022 Fifa World Cup followed, where Gallagher was an unused substitute in all of England’s six matches in Qatar.
Former manager Gareth Southgate gave Gallagher 18 caps, starting him in the closing group-stage game against Slovenia at Euro 2024.
The move was part of an attempt by Southgate to find a defensive midfielder who could improve England’s cohesion, but Gallagher was withdrawn at half-time of the 0-0 draw.
Gallagher appeared again as a substitute in England’s quarter-final win over Slovakia and semi-final victory over the Netherlands.
