Conor Gallagher is expected to return to the UK on Tuesday as negotiations continue between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid over a deal for Joao Felix.
Gallagher’s £36m move to Atletico was agreed last Thursday but is now in jeopardy after the deal for Samu Omorodion to leave the LaLiga side for Chelsea collapsed.
The Blues are trying to negotiate the signing of Felix instead but his valuation is substantially higher than the £34.5m agreed for Omorodion.
Sources in Spain believe Atletico want in excess of £50m for Felix, who scored four goals in 20 games while on loan at Chelsea in the second half of the 2022/23 season but was not retained following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino.
It is collectively agreed it would be best for Gallagher to return home while talks continue, with an agreement not yet thought to be close.
It is considered unfair on Gallagher for him to train alone in Madrid and live in a hotel for an indefinite period, while the uncertainty of whether he can sign for Atletico hangs over him.
Like any professional footballer, Gallagher requires specific training, nutrition and rest in order to stay in peak condition.
Unless there is a breakthrough in negotiations, it is thought Gallagher will fly back to London later on Tuesday.
If and when he returns to Cobham, the England international is expected to train with a separate group from the first team that includes Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah – unless he is told otherwise.
Gallagher has already passed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with Atletico after arriving in Madrid late last week.
The midfielder has been pictured in the Wanda Metropolitano by the club and around the capital by sections of the Spanish media.
Omorodion’s move fell through due to contractual issues – but did not prevent Atletico signing Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez for £82m on Monday.
Omorodion scored eight goals in 35 LaLiga appearances last season while on loan at Alaves.
Chelsea unveiled their 10th summer signing on Sunday in Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who has joined in a £54m deal.
The Blues have already added Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, Aaron Anselmino, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu and Tosin Adarabioyo during this transfer window.
A deal has also been agreed for Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian, who will arrive next summer.
However, Chelsea have been unable to agree a new contract with Gallagher, who graduated from the academy at Cobham but has just one year remaining on his deal.
Gallagher rejected a move to Aston Villa earlier in the window, while there has also been interest from Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Broja is ready to move to Stuttgart – who are in early talks to sign the Chelsea striker – according to Sky Germany.
Sky Sports News reported this summer that Broja is on the shortlists at Everton and Southampton, among others.