Earlier this month, Chelsea excluded their academy graduate Conor Gallagher from the first-team squad and are now close to finalizing his permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid. The deal nearly fell apart after Samu Omorodion’s move to Stamford Bridge failed, but the Premier League has now approved Gallagher’s switch to Madrid.

Former player Emmanuel Petit has strongly criticized Chelsea’s handling of Gallagher’s situation, particularly taking aim at Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital ownership for pushing the midfielder out of the club. Petit praised Gallagher, alongside Cole Palmer, as one of the few Chelsea players who had a successful 2023-24 season.

In an interview with Android Poker Apps, Petit stated: “Chelsea should make an effort to keep Conor Gallagher. In modern football, it’s rare to see an Englishman in the starting XI, and Chelsea needs his presence. This situation is reminiscent of Mason Mount’s, where both players were willing to stay but were forced out. Gallagher and Palmer were the only bright spots last season.

Even if Gallagher leaves Chelsea, I hope he remains in the Premier League. He has worked hard, rising through loan spells and eventually captaining Chelsea; he deserves better than this move to Atletico Madrid. It’s baffling why Chelsea would let go of their best midfielder in favor of unproven young stars. If I were Gallagher, I’d be incredibly frustrated. It’s a shame.”

As Gallagher’s exit from Stamford Bridge looms, Chelsea is close to signing Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. Felix has already arrived in London and will undergo a medical before finalizing the move.

Conor Gallagher

Chelsea performance and stats

Chelsea will play the next match in Europa Conference League against Servette on Thursday 22nd of August in London. The prediction is Chelsea winning the match.​