Portuguese forward Joao Felix has completed his move to Premier League club Chelsea from Spanish side Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of £45 million, while England international Conor Gallagher heads the other way in a deal worth about £36 million, Afrosport reports.
Felix, 24, on his return to the Stamford Bridge, has signed a seven-year deal with Chelsea, reported to have paid a fixed fee of £42 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons.
Chelsea is where he belongs. 🏡
We are delighted to announce the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. 🇵🇹🔵 pic.twitter.com/k8jF2PNSgV
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2024
The Portugal international spent six months with the Blues, following a loan move from Atletico in January 2023, scoring four goals in 20 appearances.
“I’m really happy to be back at Chelsea and I can’t wait to get started,” Felix, who scored 10 goals in 44 appearances while on loan a Barcelona last season said. “I can see some familiar faces from the last time I was here, which is always nice.
“I loved my time here before and I told my friends and family that I’d love to return to the Premier League one day. To do that with Chelsea is a great feeling and I’m excited to be back.”
The former Benfica forward becomes Chelsea’s 10th summer signing following the arrivals of Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Aaron Anselmino, Filip Jorgensen, and Pedro Neto.
#GallagherRojiblanco 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/8QlOnxB5er
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 21, 2024
Meanwhile, Gallagher has signed a five-year contract with La Liga side Atletico Madrid, departing Chelsea, where he has been since he was six.
The 24-year-old, who had entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, played 90 times for the Blues, scoring 10 goals.
Gallagher penned a heartfelt message to Chelsea fans following the completion of his move to Spain.
He wrote: “To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true. It’s been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt, and it was a dream come true to captain the team on many occasions.
“I loved every moment. These memories will last forever. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans.”
The deal for Gallagher’s move to Atletico was almost on the brink of collapse following Chelsea’s inability to complete a move for Spanish striker Samu Omorodion from the La Liga club. However, Felix’s deal freed up the required funds for Atletico to complete the transfer.
