By Chelsea’s £34.5 million deal for striker Omorodion has collapsed due to unresolved contractual issues, despite the club’s earlier agreement, which would have seen midfielder Conor Gallagher move to Atlético Madrid for £36 million on a five-year contract. Gallagher had already completed his medical and was photographed visiting Atlético’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
The breakdown of Omorodion’s transfer has prompted Chelsea and Atlético Madrid to explore the possibility of bringing João Félix back to London. Félix, who previously spent time on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023, is being considered as part of efforts to salvage the deal.
Omorodion’s departure would have left Atlético in need of a replacement striker. The club had already agreed to an £82 million deal for Manchester City’s forward Julián Álvarez. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Omorodion’s move, Manchester City still expects the Álvarez transfer to proceed. Álvarez is believed to have arrived in Madrid to undergo a medical following his post-Copa America holiday.
The agreement between Atlético and Manchester City included a £64 million (€75 million) upfront payment with an additional £17 million (€20 million) in potential add-ons. This deal would represent a record sale for City, delivering a significant profit on the £14 million they paid River Plate for Álvarez in January 2022.
Chelsea has been active in the transfer market this window, securing the signings of several players, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, Aaron Anselmino, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Additionally, a deal has been completed for Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian, although he will not join the club until next summer.
Omorodion, who scored eight goals in 35 La Liga appearances last season while on loan at Deportivo Alavés, was expected to be a key addition to Chelsea’s squad. However, with contract negotiations between Chelsea and Gallagher stalling, the midfielder’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain. Two other top-six Premier League clubs have expressed interest in Gallagher, who previously turned down a move to Aston Villa despite an accepted bid. Tottenham has also shown interest.
In other transfer news, Chelsea striker Armando Broja is reportedly “ready to move” to Stuttgart, with early talks underway. Sky Germany reports that Broja has also been on the radar of Everton and Southampton this summer.
