Atletico Madrid forward pulled out of Chelsea deal after feeling disrespected - Reports
El Chiringuito reports that Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion pulled out of his move to Chelsea after feeling disrespected. Omorodion looked certain to join the Blues but esteemed journalist David Ornsten has reported that the transfer is now off the cards.
More details regarding the collapsed move have come to light. As per El Chiringuito, the London club wanted to buy 50% of Omorodion's rights as they tried to tie him down to a long-term contract. Omorodion felt disrespected by the proposal, resulting in him pulling out of the move.
Omorodion, 20, has enjoyed a fruitful senior career so far. He enjoyed a good campaign at Deportivo Alaves in 2023-24 on loan from Atletico Madrid. He scored eight goals and provided an assist in 35 appearances across competitions.
Despite his limited senior football experience, the Spain under-21 international caught the eye of several European clubs with his raw talent. Chelsea were the team with the highest profile but a deal is now off the cards.
The Blues, though, are reportedly still in negotiations with Atletico regarding Conor Gallagher's transfer the other way. Omorodion's failed structure could have an effect on that negotiation.
As per Express, the Stamford Bridge club are also taking a cautious approach regarding their future negotiations with Atletico as another failed deal could significantly damage a working relationship. Joao Felix is reportedly in the conversations. The Portuguese spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge.
Fabrizio Romano provides groundbreaking update on Chelsea's interest in Joao Felix
Joao Felix impressed in his short loan stint at Chelsea during the 2022-23 season. The Portuguese scored four times in 20 appearances for the Blues but couldn't secure a permanent move mainly due to his hefty price tag.
Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that the Blues have started negotiations with Felix's parent club Atletico Madrid regarding a potential move. The transfer expert wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are now discussing Joao Felix to #CFC as part of Gallagher deal! Samu Omorodion deal collapsing and the two clubs don't want Gallagher and Julian Alvarez deals to collapse too. Joao Felix, being discussed with Jorge Mendes in London."
Joao Felix spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona and made 44 appearances. He scored ten goals and provided six assists for the Catalan club and showed flashes of his undoubted talent on occasions. A return to London could be on the cards for the winger.