Conor Gallagher is set to return to training at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday, following his return to London with his transfer to Atletico Madrid hanging in the balance.
The 24-year-old England international was spotted at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday and spent five days in a hotel in Madrid, but has been unable to complete his £33m move.
The transfer was stalled after Chelsea’s £34.5m deal to sign Spanish striker Samu Omorodion fell through over personal terms on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid needs to make a major sale to fund their move for Gallagher after signing Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for £81.5m on Monday.
Although the deal for Gallagher is not off, it remains under threat of collapse.
If Chelsea secures Portugal forward Joao Felix from Atletico, it could revive Gallagher’s move – but a fee must first be agreed.
Felix is prepared to return to Chelsea after a six-month loan spell at the club in 2023.
However, if a fee for Felix cannot be agreed upon, Gallagher’s transfer is likely to fall through.
Chelsea is keen to sell Gallagher to avoid losing him on a free transfer, as he has just 11 months left on his contract.
Gallagher, who captained Chelsea for much of last season, made five appearances at Euro 2024, where England reached the final.
On Saturday, Atletico had posted a picture of Gallagher at their stadium, stating he was there to “finalise his transfer.”
