Chelsea has finalized a permanent agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Joao Felix, paving the way for Conor Gallagher’s anticipated move to the Spanish club.
The 24-year-old Felix is expected to sign a six-year contract with Chelsea, which includes an option for an additional year. The funds generated from Felix’s transfer will facilitate Atletico’s acquisition of Gallagher.
Initially, Gallagher’s £36 million transfer to Atletico appeared to have fallen through following the breakdown of Chelsea’s bid for Atletico striker Samu Omorodion. However, Atletico remains committed to signing the talented England midfielder, having been impressed by his performance during a recent five-day visit to Madrid.
Gallagher successfully passed his medical examination while in Madrid, and images of him at Wanda Metropolitano have circulated in the media, reinforcing Atletico’s interest.
Felix, a Portugal international, spent the previous season on loan with Barcelona’s LaLiga rivals, where he netted 10 goals in 44 matches. He also had a stint on loan at Chelsea during the latter half of the 2022/23 season, scoring four times in 16 Premier League appearances. Felix became one of the most expensive players in history when Atletico Madrid acquired him from Benfica for £113 million in 2019.
In related news, the summer transfer window will officially close on August 30 at 11 PM UK time for the Premier League, with Scotland’s deadline set for 11:30 PM. This year, the Premier League has aligned Deadline Day with other major European leagues following cooperative discussions.
