Atletico Madrid has confirmed the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea on a five-year deal, announced the clubs on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Gallagher switches to the LaLiga team for a reported fee of €42 million to secure an agreement until 2029.
Gallagher spent 16 years at Chelsea, working up through the ranks before making his senior debut in 2022 after loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace. He became an important member of Chelsea’s team last season, making 37 Premier League starts and often captained the side during the absences of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Even though there was only a year left on his Chelsea contract, Gallagher had been handed an extension by new boss Enzo Maresca. He chose a move to Spain instead and will be presented, along with their other new signings, including ex-Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, at the Metropolitano stadium.
With 18 caps for England and also playing in five matches at Euro 2024, Gallagher forms part of Atletico’s heavy summer spending, which has also seen the arrival of Spain defender Robin Le Normand and Norway striker Alexander Sorloth. Atletico will try to bounce back from a 2-2 draw at Villarreal when they host Girona on Sunday.
