In the next few hours, Atlético de Madrid will make official the signing of Conor Gallagher for just over 40 million euros. The red-and-white team has had a long-standing agreement with Chelsea, although the Joao Félix chapter was still pending. Yesterday, both clubs closed the transfer of the Portuguese for 50 million euros plus another 10 in variables.
In this way, Simeone will be able to bring in a midfielder, which will give him a physical boost to a midfield that has some shortcomings. Yesterday, some key moments could be seen in the draw against Villarreal that make us think that Conor Gallagher is going to be a fundamental pillar. Mainly, he could become the player who gives more rest to a Koke who does not have a natural replacement in the squad.
Conor Gallagher arrives
The signing of the Chelsea captain has been one of the most surreal that Atlético de Madrid has seen in many years. At first, Conor Gallagher preferred to stay in the Premier League , especially at Stamford Bridge . It was his own club that pushed him to accept the offer from the red-and-white team, as the financial needs were too high.
Yesterday, the sale of Joao Felix to Chelsea for a fixed 50 million euros was completed, leaving the way clear for Conor Gallagher . The English international will arrive at the Colchoneros with many expectations about his possible performance. According to statistics, he was one of the best in the Premier League last season, both in attack and defense.
In addition, he can occupy all the positions in the centre of the field , being perfect to increase the competitiveness in that area. One of those who could benefit most from his signing is Koke , who was substituted yesterday in the second half of the match by Rodrigo de Paul . For years, Simeone has been demanding the incorporation of a player who could replace the captain of Atlético, although it was never possible.
Rodrigo de Paul, under threat
Koke is obviously one of the main protagonists at Atlético de Madrid and an irreplaceable player for Simeone. The case of the Argentine midfielder is very different, who yesterday received a lot of criticism for his performance. He came on in the second half and his level could not have been poorer, especially when it came to helping out in defensive tasks .
The image of Rodrigo de Paul completely leaving Samuel Lino behind after 80 minutes of his playing time spread like wildfire. He also failed to make a large number of passes, allowing Villarreal to create counterattacks that could have led to the team's defeat. The world champions will have to take a step forward this season if they want to become a regular substitute with the arrival of Conor Gallagher .