Atletico Madrid are looking to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, with talks between the two over the England midfielder at an advanced stage. His future has been the subject of much speculation over the last few months as he enters the last year of his contract.
Gallagher is currently on holiday after being part of the Three Lions squad that reached the final of Euro 2024, but Football London is reporting that Chelsea are open to selling the player, with manager Enzo Maresca saying: “The transfer window is open so unfortunately something can happen.”
Early loan moves
Gallagher first joined Chelsea in 2008 at the age of eight, making his first team breakthrough in 2019. That year he was an unused substitute in the Europa League final win over Arsenal. The following season he spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic and Swansea City.
His time at Charlton got off to a dream start when he was named Championship Player of the Month for August 2020 after scoring three goals and getting one assist. Overall he made 26 appearances for the Addicks before being recalled by Chelsea in January.
He moved to Swansea the following day, going onto make 19 appearances in South Wales as they reached the Championship Play-Offs, where they were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Brentford.
Premier League chance
In September 2020, Gallagher signed a new five-year contract at Chelsea, before once again being sent out on loan- this time to West Bromwich Albion. His first Premier League goal came in November that year against Sheffield United.
Gallagher made 32 appearances for the Baggies across the season, before going to Crystal Palace for the 2021-22 season, where he had an impressive season which included a brace in a draw against West Ham. He went on to be named Palace’s Player of The Season
Breakthrough for Chelsea and England
Gallagher’s performances at Crystal Palace earned him a first call-up to the senior England squad in November 2021. He made his debut as a substitute against San Marino, making his first start in March 2022 against Switzerland.
The 2022-23 season saw him finally achieve his dream of making his Chelsea debut when he came on as a substitute against Everton. Two weeks later, he made his first start against Leeds United. His first goal for the club came against former club Crystal Palace in October and was named Chelsea’s Goal of the Season
What would he bring to Atletico?
Gallagher describes himself as a box-to-box midfielder who can play in both deeper and attacking roles. Lee Bowyer, who was his manager at Charlton, said: “His work rate is unreal, he puts his foot in for tackles and can see a pass.”
His manager at Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira, likened him to former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, who Gallagher looked up to growing up, and Vieira’s former Arsenal teammate Ray Parlour.
Traditionally, Atletico Madrid have been known for a defensive style under Diego Simeone, with Football Coin describing their gameplan as being built of meticulous organisation and counter attacking, very much mirroring their manager’s own style from his playing days.
However, last season marked a shift in the way Atleti play. The side shifted towards a more balanced approach which allowed for more attacking play and creativity from the midfield, which could suit a player like Gallagher.
Possible move across London
Speculation over Gallagher’s future has mounted since Chelsea sacked Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last season, with Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglu making him a key transfer target.
Sky Sports’ Kaveh has claimed that Atleti’s bid is not enough and there is likely to be a bid coming in from Spurs in the coming days, with movement expected once Gallagher returns from his holiday