Atletico Madrid announced today, Wednesday, that it has "signed Connor Gallagher, the England national team midfielder from Chelsea, for five years." Gallagher, who has been with Chelsea since he was eight years old, has signed a contract until 2029 with Atletico, which reportedly paid 42 million euros for the services of the 24-year-old player. Chelsea stated on its website: "We wish Connor all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his career."
Gallagher spent the early part of his career on loan, including stints at Premier League clubs such as West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, and did not make his debut for Chelsea until 2022. Last season, Gallagher started in 37 Premier League matches and missed just one league match due to suspension, spending most of the season as the club captain due to injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Gallagher had one year remaining on his contract with Chelsea, and new coach Enzo Maresca recently mentioned that the club offered him a new contract. Gallagher made his international debut for England in 2021 and has participated in 18 international matches, playing five matches in the Euro 2024 tournament, where England reached the final and lost 2-1 to Spain.
Gallagher and the other new signings for Atlético will be presented later today, Wednesday, at an open event for fans at the Metropolitano Stadium, featuring former Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez. Atlético Madrid has spent around 200 million euros to sign Spanish defender Rubén Le Normand and Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth. After a disappointing 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the start of the new La Liga season last Monday, Atlético will host Girona, the surprise team of last season, next Sunday.
