Chelsea has reached an agreement to re-sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, paving the way for Conor Gallagher’s transfer to the Spanish club.
Felix has completed his medical and is finalizing a permanent move to Chelsea for a fee that could reach £46.3 million, including £42 million upfront and an additional £4.3 million in add-ons.
The 24-year-old forward is expected to sign a six-year contract, with an option for an extra year. Following the completion of Felix’s deal, Chelsea plans to pursue a new striker, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen being a target, although they are currently not looking to make a permanent offer.
Felix was not included in Atletico Madrid’s squad for their recent La Liga match against Villarreal, indicating his imminent departure. The funds from Felix’s transfer will enable Atletico to finalize Gallagher’s move, who is expected to travel to Madrid soon.
Gallagher’s £36 million transfer to Atletico had appeared to be in jeopardy after Chelsea’s pursuit of Atletico striker Samu Omorodion fell through. However, Atletico remains keen on signing the 24-year-old midfielder, impressed by his performance during a recent visit to Madrid. Gallagher has already passed a medical and agreed to a five-year contract with Atletico.
Felix spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he scored 10 goals in 44 appearances, and previously had a loan spell at Chelsea during the second half of the 2022/23 season, netting four goals in 16 Premier League matches. He initially joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica for a record fee of £113 million in 2019.
The summer transfer window will close on August 30 at 11 PM UK time for the Premier League, aligning with other major European leagues.
