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September 17, 2024

Chelsea Summer Trades Including £82 Million Pair ‘Have Been Reviewed’ – La Liga

Following last month’s abrupt closure of the summer transfer window, La Liga president Javier Tebas exclusively told GIVEMESPORT that Chelsea’s deals involving Conor Gallagher joining Atletico Madrid and Joao Felix moving in the opposite direction to Stamford Bridge have been looked into.

After last season ended, the Blues embarked on a new chapter in their history. Italian tactician Enzo Maresca took over as manager, and the team underwent a massive overhaul, which included [specific changes]. More than £200 million was spent on reinforcements as they attempted to contend for championships under new ownership.

Despite Chelsea’s recent influx of new players, Conor Gallagher left the club after 95 appearances for his childhood team. The decision to force him to join Atlético Madrid reflected a shift in priorities, as the club’s hierarchy seemed more focused on profiting from academy graduates rather than nurturing their talent. This move marked a bittersweet moment for Gallagher, who had always aspired to succeed at Chelsea.

Felix and Gallagher Moves Were Examined by La Liga

The fair market value of the switches was rigorously verified through inspections, ensuring the integrity of the process.

Tebas has assured GMS that La Liga is conducting a meticulous examination of Gallagher’s transfer to Atletico Madrid and Felix’s move from Wanda Metropolitano Stadium to Chelsea. The investigation is comprehensive, aiming to ensure that the mirror deals were executed at fair market value, without any improper activity to benefit the respective clubs.

Both transfers have been evaluated. Gallagher paid £36 million to travel to Spain, and the West Londoners paid £46.3 million to bring Felix back to his home after a previous loan spell. The two went in different directions in agreements worth slightly more than £82 million.

President of La Liga Tebas told GMS:

“We have reviewed the valuation of the operation between Joao Felix and Gallagher, and I’ll leave it at that. But there are many transfers within English football involving player exchanges where there are many numbers made to fix balances and books.”

Before last month, GMS sources disclosed that Chelsea feared Gallagher would try to run out of his contract after reaching the last 12 months of his agreement and determining he had no intention of leaving the team he supported as a boy, which would have prevented them from getting paid. However, Gallagher was convinced to sign with Atletico Madrid.

Tebas Is Not Pursuing the FIFA or UEFA Presidency

62-year-old outspoken man is aware he would not receive enough votes

Since then, Tebas has overseen La Liga. April 2013 and has since become a frequently vocal advocate on the subject of financial sustainability, has informed GMS that he has no interest in running for president of either FIFA or UEFA because he already knows he would not have enough votes to win. This decision, he reiterates, is based on his realistic assessment of the situation.

The 62-year-old, a qualified lawyer, has implemented strict financial regulations in the Spanish elite division, including salary caps and comprehensive financial audits for clubs. He believes attempting to unseat influential figures like Gianni Infantino or Aleksander Ceferin would be futile.

Instead, he is focused on his current role, ensuring the enforcement of regulations that promote financial stability and integrity in Spanish football. His dedication to these reforms demonstrates his commitment to improving the league while working within the established system.

At the prestigious Thinking Football Summit in Porto, a platform for football leaders to discuss and share insights, Tebas continued, saying to GMS:

“I haven’t considered running for UEFA or FIFA president because I’m realistic. I’m politically incorrect, so it is impossible!”

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