On August 21, Goal’s official website commented on the two transfer deals conducted this summer between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
Felix joins Chelsea
Atletico Rating: A
This is a festival for Atletico fans. Atletico has strengthened the midfield without weakening the forward line and made a modest but considerable profit from this transfer.
Chelsea Rating: F
For Chelsea, this is a bewildering deal. In 2023, Felix was loaned to Chelsea, where he scored only 4 goals in 20 appearances for the Blues. They believed Felix was not good enough and did not exercise their option to buy him.
Now, they have changed their mind and invested heavily in signing the Portuguese star, which is truly perplexing.
Felix Rating: F
For Felix, this is a poor decision, but he indeed had no better options in Europe as other top clubs were unwilling to pay for him.
Perhaps Felix can find a path to thrive amidst the chaos at Chelsea, but what young players need most is stability, not uncertainty about their future.
Gallagher joins Atletico
Chelsea Rating: F
Gallagher was once one of Chelsea’s best players, but the Blues traded him for what turned out to be Atletico’s worst ever signing, Felix.
Gallagher excels in interceptions; last season, he led the team with 221 ball recoveries, making him Chelsea’s undisputed midfield enforcer. His talent and adaptability far surpass others.
Atletico Rating: A-
For Atletico, this is an intriguing transfer. This English international is very likely to integrate into Simeone’s tactical system. He is the kind of midfielder Simeone likes, adept at pressing, with excellent running ability, and a complete midfielder.
Moreover, Atletico not only acquired Gallagher but also successfully sold Felix, a smart deal.
Gallagher Rating: B+
Clearly, Gallagher would rather stay at Chelsea, since he has been with the club since he was 8 years old, making this a painful and protracted parting.
However, Gallagher will likely enjoy playing under Simeone, who favors and knows how to nurture such complete midfielders. Perhaps someday, Gallagher will realize that leaving Chelsea was a wonderful decision.