After weeks of great uncertainty, the soap opera of the summer for Atlético de Madrid has ended today. When it seemed that Conor Gallagher was going to become a rojiblanco player last week, Chelsea decided to break the agreement, sending the Englishman to Madrid and Samu Omorodion to London.
After this, Atlético resumed negotiations by putting a new name on the table, that of Joao Félix. Both clubs thus began a tough process of negotiations that has officially ended today. The Portuguese is no longer a rojiblanco player and is joining Chelsea for a fixed 52 million euros, plus 20% of a future sale of more than 52 million.
The words of Joao Felix
Last night we already knew that everything was done, as we managed to catch Conor Gallagher at Madrid airport. Today, both have been announced by their new teams and Joao Felix has made his first statements as a "Blue". "I am totally ready to make Chelsea my new home."
"I've decided to come back here, because of the project, the club, the fans and the league. I loved the time I spent here, I felt very well looked after, despite the results we had," said the Portuguese, who was the reason he was forced to return to England, to the team where he had already been on loan for half a year.
"My best years as a player are yet to come, I have no doubt about that. The best are yet to come and I'm sure this will be the case because I'm permanently at home and I'll be able to enjoy it." These were the first statements from the man who is now officially an Atlético de Madrid player.
An all-rounder for Simeone
Atlético de Madrid have achieved that, with the departure of Joao Félix, Simeone's wish could come true: Conor Gallagher. The English midfielder is what the Argentine coach needed, a player with legs, hard work and an ability to attack in midfield. At 24 years old, he has already been captain of a big club like Chelsea and has been in the European Championship with England.
He has signed for five years, with a final price of 42 million euros, 10 less than the sale of Joao Felix. Gallagher arrives at Atlético de Madrid to be an important player and contribute with his physical rhythm to the team. A footballer who is liked at the Metropolitano and who will surely adapt quickly to the club.