Chelsea reveal reason why Connor Gallagher might leave to join Atletico Madrid

Conor Gallagher has been informed by Chelsea that he can only play for the team if he stays. This is also the reason Gallagher turned down Chelsea's 2+1 contract offer on Wednesday along with in June. 

Gallagher may not receive as many starts as he did the previous season due to fears that Enzo Maresca's high-possession approach may not be appropriate for him. Gallagher's chances of representing England at the 2026 World Cup could be jeopardized if Chelsea were to offer him a longer-term deal, according to Chelsea, who also feel that doing so would be a financial and football blunder.

After Conor Gallagher turned down a new contract offer from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea accepted a deal for the midfield player from Atlético Madrid approximately £33 million (42.42 million) excluding add-ons, sources reported ESPN. The 24-year-old will make a decision about where he goes in the next few days while talks with the La Liga team continue to settle personal terms.

Gallagher's current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in one year, and the Blues intend not to lose him via a free transfer like they did with Andreas Christensen as well as Antonio Rüdiger, who left for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, in 2022.

Chelsea midfielder Connor Gallagher - unfortunate to be sold?

The England player was rewarded for his outstanding play by receiving a call-up in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions team for Euro 2024. The player had a fantastic 2023–2024 campaign alongside Mauricio Pochettino, being a mainstay and one of their most essential squad members. Gallagher's contract expires next year, and Todd Boehly runs the risk of losing the explosive midfielder for free in 2025. Gallagher played 37 Premier League games this past season, hitting five goals and dishing out assists on seven other occasions.

Gallagher's sale would be considered pure profit under the Profit and Sustainability guidelines, which means Chelsea's management would have to make the difficult choice to let go of the player this summer while it's still possible.