- Planet Sport writer
- 23 August 2024
Conor Gallagher sets sights on La Liga glory at Atletico Madrid
Conor Gallagher spoke to Atletico Madrid's channels after his transfer from Chelsea, receiving a warm welcome from fans at the Metropolitano.
Conor Gallagher is an England international who plays for La Liga side Atletico Madrid.
Gallagher had been on Chelsea's books since he was just six years old, but only broke into the first team in the 2022/23 season at the age of 22.
He has been on loan at four different teams, his last at Premier League side Crystal Palace where he became a key member of Patrick Vieira's side and was named the club's Player of the Season.
His hero growing up was Chelsea legend and Premier League icon, Frank Lampard, and while emulating even half of his success is a tough task, Gallagher has made a good start in his short yet effective playing career.
After representing England at various youth levels and winning the Under-17 FIFA World Cup, Gallagher's fine form in 2021 earned him his first full cap team against San Marino in November 2021.
In August 2024, he completed his move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid for a a reported £33.7million fee.
A Europa League medal followed by a flurry of loans
In October 2018, Gallagher signed a new three-year deal with Chelsea that would keep him at the club until 2021.
He won the Academy Player of the Year award after the 2018/19 season and was an unused substitute in Chelsea's 2019 Europa League win over Arsenal, earning himself a winners medal.
Ahead of the 2019/20 season, though, the midfielder joined Charlton Athletic on loan.
It did not take long for Gallagher to make an impact as an Addick. In his first month at the club, he scored three goals in six games and was named English Football League's Young Player of the Month award for August.
After six months at Charlton, Gallagher was recalled by Chelsea and then was sent back out on loan to another Championship side in Swansea City. The move allowed him to play for a side that was competing for promotion rather than battling at the foot of the table.
The move also reunited Gallagher with manager Steve Cooper who was in charge of England's Under-17 World Cup-winning side. In total, he played 21 times for the Welsh outfit and earned himself a new five-year contract with Chelsea.
However, despite his success, Gallagher was sent out on loan again. He joined West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, marking the first time in his career that he would play in the top flight of English football.
He was an ever-present in the Baggies side, playing 2,683 minutes across 32 appearances. He netted six times and was rewarded for his performances by being named the club's Young Player of the Year. Sadly, Gallagher's efforts were in vain as the club ended the 2020/21 season in 19th place.
Flying high with the Eagles
Chelsea decided to send Gallagher out on loan again for the 2021/22 season to join Premier League side Crystal Palace. He scored twice in his side's 2-2 draw with West Ham United, his first goals for the Eagles. After just 12 games he had netted four times for Vieira's side, and began to attract the attention of Gareth Southgate.
Gallagher ended his spell with Crystal Palace as the clubs' player of the season, he made 39 appearances in all competitions and scored eight goals.
Becoming a regular at Chelsea
Several clubs including Crystal Palace and West Ham tried to sign Gallagher in the 2022 summer transfer window, but he did enough to impresss Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to stay in the Blues' first team squad.
He finally made his Chelsea debut in the 1-0 away win over Everton in August 2022, when he came on as a substitute.
Under various managers, Gallagher became a regular in the Chelsea side over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons and even captained the side on a number of occasions.
But Gallagher fell out of favour with new manager Enzo Maresca at the start of the 2024/25 campaign and on August 21, 2024, he was sold to Atletico Madrid.in a deal worth £33.7million.
Gallagher made 95 appearances for the Blues and scored 10 goals.
Gallagher posted on Instagram: “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. Hearing the chant of my name at the Bridge is a special feeling, and the banner you displayed meant the world to me.
“Thank you for everything. I wish the club all the best for the future, and I hope to see you all soon at Stamford Bridge.”
International career
Gallagher's heritage meant that he was eligible to play for England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland until he made a senior appearance for either nation.
He represented England at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 youth levels, winning the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
On November 14, 2021, he received his first call-up to the England senior squad. The next day he became the 50th player that Gareth Southgate had given an England senior debut to. Gallagher came on at half time in England's 10-0 win against San Marino.
Gallagher was named in Southgate's squad for the 2022 World Cup, but didn't play a game.
He was also part of the England squad which reached the final of Euro 2024 this summer. He made a total of five appearances, mostly off the bench.
Conor Gallagher's personal life
Gallagher comes from a family of footballers but none of his brothers have made it to the professional level.
He has a girlfriend called Aine May Kennedy and the pair have been together since 2018.
Conor Gallagher's net worth
According to SalarySport.com, Gallagher's most recent five-year contract sees him earn £17,000 per week and £884,000 a year. His net worth is believed to be just over £2million.
