Two football players wearing Atlético de Madrid uniforms pose in a stadium, while a circle at the top shows another out-of-focus player wearing a light blue shirt.

Atlético's hidden 'signing' returns as a surprise: Julián Álvarez and Sorloth are on the lookout

The Colchoneros have recovered one of their young promises after tense days in which his future was far from clear.

Atlético de Madrid is heading into the final stretch of pre-season this week, already thinking about the league opener on the 19th at the La Cerámica stadium against Villarreal. Simeone's men already have 100% of their squad, barring injuries or possible last-minute signings, given that all the red-and-white players have returned from their well-deserved holidays. Many of them having been champions of Europe, America or the Olympic Games, the truth is that the Colchoneros are a team full of great winners.

A man wearing a cap and grey sports uniform gestures while standing on a training field with a blue background that has partially visible text.
Simeone directing his players today at Cerro | Atlético de Madrid

One of the latest to join the training sessions with the red and whites has been a player whose future has been up in the air since the end of last season. The player in question is Samu Omorodion , who has been in suspense for a few weeks due to the tension over where he would go next and the famous domino game. Having declined Chelsea 's contract offer and not having passed the medical with the blues, Omorodion is back, although his continuity at Atlético is still unclear.

Samu Omorodion back in training

In the afternoon training session at Cerro del Espino , the return of Samu Omorodion under Simeone 's orders was one of the most talked about things of the afternoon. Although Julián Alvarez 's debut as Cholo 's pupil captured all the attention, Omorodion was not without his own attention and was quickly recognized among those present at the training session. The Spanish international trained as one with the rest of his teammates with the sole objective of getting into competitive rhythm ahead of the start of LaLiga this week.

A soccer player performs a training drill with goal posts and balls on a soccer field.
Omorodion back with Atlético de Madrid in Majadahonda | Atlético de Madrid

Samu returned from London yesterday after his signing for Chelsea fell through, a deal that was closed until almost the last minute, when Omorodion declined conditions that he believed were disrespectful. The striker refused to sign with the Londoners and was forced to return to Madrid after several days of negotiating an agreement with the Blues that would enhance his career. With everything having fallen apart in the final blow, Omorodion is just another Atlético fan, although he is still waiting for his future and the rest of the domino effect that has paralysed his rejection of Chelsea .

Tension with Conor Gallagher

The Englishman, like Omorodion , has spent a few days away from the club he belongs to due to the uncertainty surrounding the final closure of his operation. Gallagher has been forced to return to London after having already seen Madrid , the Metropolitano and even his new teammates, although he is still waiting for commercial news. Closely linked to the transfer of Omorodion to Stanford Bridge, Gallagher 's signing for the red-and-white team will continue to be delayed until further notice.

A domino with reversible pieces

Samu 's "no" to Chelsea does not mean that the Gallagher operation will go down the drain, far from it, given that both clubs want to seal the deal as soon as possible. To do so, it is necessary to find other pieces to the puzzle, among which Joao Felix is a strong candidate, who is keen to return to London and who remains in contact with the Blues. With much uncertainty about what may happen, Joao , Omorodion and, above all, Gallagher are waiting, like the fans, to see what happens with their futures in the coming days.