In a significant summer transfer development, Chelsea have reached a £34.5 million (€40m) agreement with Atletico Madrid for promising young striker Samu Omorodion.
The deal, which could see the 20-year-old forward sign a long-term contract, comes at a time when the Premier League side is reshaping its attacking lineup.
How old is Samu Omorodion?
20
Concurrently, Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is on the verge of completing a €42 million (£36m) move to Atletico Madrid, with a medical set soon.
Omorodion’s Imminent Arrival
Chelsea’s pursuit of Samu Omorodion, a rising star in Spanish football, has been met with success after a previous offer of €32.5 million (£27.4m) plus add-ons was turned down by Atletico Madrid earlier this summer.
The Spanish club initially resisted the idea of parting ways with the talented forward but softened their stance following recent developments involving Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid is reportedly set to secure Alvarez’s services from Manchester City in a deal worth up to €95 million (£81.8m; $104m), paving the way for Omorodion’s departure.
Omorodion, who spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves, played a pivotal role in their 10th-place finish in La Liga, contributing nine goals and an assist. Born to Nigerian parents, the striker has opted to represent Spain on the international stage, earning call-ups to both their under-19 and under-21 squads.
If the transfer is finalized, Omorodion will sign a seven-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year, potentially keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2032. The fine details of the agreement are still being ironed out, but Chelsea’s determination to secure the young talent underscores their ambition to build a squad for the future.
Gallagher’s Exit Looms
As Omorodion prepares to don Chelsea’s blue jersey, Conor Gallagher is poised to make his exit. The England international, who has been a key player for Chelsea in recent seasons, is set to join Atletico Madrid after the two clubs agreed on a €42 million (£36m) fee. Gallagher, whose contract with Chelsea is set to expire next summer, turned down a two-year extension offer that would have brought his wages in line with top earners like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
The decision to move to Spain marks a new chapter in Gallagher’s career, with the midfielder expected to undergo a medical very soon. Once the formalities are complete, he will sign a five-year contract with Atletico, where he will look to make his mark in La Liga.
Chelsea’s urgency in finalizing Gallagher’s sale stems from their desire to avoid a repeat of the 2022 situation when Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left the club as free agents. The Blues are keen to ensure they receive a return on their investment rather than losing key players for nothing.
Chelsea’s Summer Strategy
Chelsea’s activity in the transfer market this summer has been extensive, with the club exploring several striker options. While the Omorodion deal is progressing, it is worth noting that this transfer is independent of the ongoing negotiations between Chelsea and Napoli concerning Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen. The London club remains focused on strengthening their attack ahead of the new Premier League season, which kicks off with a challenging home fixture against champions Manchester City on August 18.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has remained tight-lipped about the developments but acknowledged the club’s efforts to resolve Gallagher’s future before the start of the campaign. The Blues’ management is determined to finalize their squad in a way that aligns with their long-term objectives.
The impending arrival of Samu Omorodion and the departure of Conor Gallagher highlight Chelsea’s proactive approach in the transfer market as they aim to bolster their squad while securing the financial sustainability of their operations. As the new season approaches, the club’s focus on strategic signings and smart sales will be crucial in their quest for success domestically and in Europe.
