Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea have closed another operation, a big one that includes the departure of Joao Félix to Stamford Bridge . Conor Gallagher is the one who arrives at Civitas Metropolitano ; the English player signs with Atlético until 2029, being the first English player to arrive from the blue team.
In recent years, there have been some big deals between the Blues and the Colchoneros, but never had a British player arrived from Fulham Road . The first big deal that the clubs made was that of Mateja Kezman , Fernando Torres' old companion. The Serbian cost Atlético de Madrid 14 million euros.
Courtois, the first of the Simeone era
With the departure of David de Gea , Atlético de Madrid looked to London again, and a young Belgian took over as goalkeeper for the team from Madrid. They were three very nice years, with several titles such as La Liga or the 2013 Copa del Rey .
But Jose Mourinho decided to bring him back to Chelsea , and his loan was cut short three years later. After two years in London , the Belgian ended up at Real Madrid .
Filipe Luis was the next Atlético player to change his red and white shirt for blue. He left on loan and, a year later, returned to the arms of Diego Pablo Simeone . José Mourinho did not count on him and they looked for him to leave England ; a few months later, he became a player for Atlético de Madrid .
Tiago Mendes, a recovered captain
He is not considered as such, but Tiago Mendes , although he had a past at Chelsea , tried to return to London after finishing the league as champion. José Mourinho wanted to get him back for the team; an untimely work permit prevented his return to Stamford Bridge , and he made him return early to Madrid to consolidate his position.
Diego Costa was Diego Simeone 's dream signing for Atlético Madrid, the striker that the Argentinean put the most effort into. His beginnings were not easy; he had to go out on loan several times to earn a place. When his departure was decided, he exploded in pre-season and Diego Pablo Simeone saw clearly that he had to stay.
Diego Costa and Morata: Two high investments
The story is already well known: Diego Costa became one of the most important weapons for the Argentine coach. With him he won the League, Cup, Europa League and European Super Cup . Important goals, character and a striker who won the heart of an entire fan base, but he decided to pack his bags for London.
After Diego Costa , the next player to land at Civitas Metropolitano was Alvaro Morata , a somewhat controversial signing for many fans. The Madrid striker, trained by three Madrid clubs, Atlético, Getafe and Real Madrid , had unfinished business. He did not achieve the continuity he was looking for, and this year he left for Italian club Milan , who paid his release clause.
Conor Gallagher is the last on the list
Now comes Conor Gallagher, the Briton is the latest in this transfer between London and Madrid , the first in his country. A transfer that has moved many millions and is already considered an interesting route in the football market. Conversely, players like Saúl, Joao Félix on two occasions, Diego Costa or Filipe Luis have also gone.
The Blues and Atlético have had an excellent relationship since the time of Roman Abramovich and Marina Granovskaia . Since the departure of the latter, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have taken over and the relationship seems to be as good as it was then.