Gallagher back in London as Atletico move hangs in the balance

Conor Gallagher is back in London despite his proposed move to Atletico Madrid facing uncertainty.

The 24-year-old England international is expected to resume training at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday after his transfer to the La Liga side encountered complications.

📸 Conor Gallagher and his family at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid yesterday. #CFC pic.twitter.com/kQ0XR38ei6

— From The Shed End (@FromTheShedEnd) August 10, 2024

Gallagher had been in Madrid over the past week, having spent five days in the Spanish capital and visited Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium.

However, his £33m transfer has been put on hold due to a series of events that have affected the deal’s progress.

The primary issue arose when Chelsea’s £34.5m deal to sign Spanish striker Samu Omorodion collapsed on Sunday over personal terms. The failure to secure Omorodion’s transfer has complicated Atletico Madrid’s financial arrangements, as they need to offload a major asset to fund Gallagher’s move.

🚨🔵 Conor Gallagher, formally back to training as Chelsea player after he returned in London from Madrid on Tuesday.

Tense situation between Chelsea and Atlético, crazy saga still ongoing and not called off yet by all the parties involved. pic.twitter.com/h9ZzASU7FS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2024

Atletico Madrid recently signed Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for £81.5m, intensifying the need for a significant sale to balance their books. Gallagher’s transfer is not entirely off the table, but it remains at risk.

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In a potential twist, Chelsea could explore an alternative deal involving Joao Felix. Felix, who had a successful loan spell at Chelsea in 2023, is a target for the Blues once again. If a fee can be agreed for Felix, it might pave the way for Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid. Conversely, if the deal for Felix falls through, Gallagher’s transfer could ultimately collapse.

Chelsea’s Premier League campaign is set to begin on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, where they will face reigning champions Manchester City.

As the midfielder prepares to rejoin training, his future at Chelsea remains uncertain, with the club’s transfer activity poised to impact the coming season.