Here's why Samu Omorodion's move to Chelsea collapsed
Chelsea will not be signing young striker Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid. Omorodion, who won the men's football gold medal with Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was set to join the Blues for a whopping £34.5m in a seven-year deal. Omorodion, who was on loan at La Liga club Deportivo Alaves last season, was seen as a huge potential. Here's what happened.
Why does this story matter?
As per a report in The Athletic, Atletico softened their resistance to sell Omorodion as they agreed a deal worth up to £81.5m with Manchester City for Julian Alvarez. Alongside that, Atletico also agreed a deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in a €42m move. However, these moves part of a domino now throws Gallagher and Alvarez's situations in a tricky place.
Felix being discussed as Omorodion's move is off
Omorodion's move is off following contractual issues. As per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Atletico were in contact to find solutions as Omorodion deal collapsed. Both clubs have a clear plan that Gallagher and Alvarez deal cannot collapse at any cost. Atletico's Joao Felix, who spent time on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023, is now being discussed to solve the transfer puzzle.
Omorodion expected to find new club; Felix's Chelsea return likely
Omorodion will return to Madrid and there are serious chances of him to join another club in the next days. Omorodion could either leave permamently or on loan. Atletico want Alvarez and new signing Alexander Sorloth to lead the line. Meanwhile, Felix, who was on loan at Barcelona last season, could make a return to Chelsea.
Decoding Omorodion's career
Omorodion started his career with fourth division club called Recreativo Granada in Spain. After making 3 appearances in 2021-22, he banged home 18 goals from 33 matches in 2022-23. He played one match for Granada in Spain's top division in 2023-24 before Atletico Madrid came calling. Omorodion was loaned to Alaves straightaway and he managed 35 appearances in all competitions.
Nine goals and an assist in the 2023-24 season
Omorodion scored for Granada in his solitary La Liga outing last season. He played 34 matches in the league for Alaves, scoring eight times (1 assist). He played one game in Copa del Rey. Altogether, he made 36 appearances last season, scoring nine times (A1).
Breaking down his mumber is La Liga 2023-24
As per Squawka comparison matrix (data by Opta), Omorodion managed 57 shots excluding blocks out of which 27 were on target. He smashed the woodwork on two occasions and created 17 chances. His pass accuracy was 72.21%. Omorodion completed 15 lay-offs and made seven tackles. He won 63 aerial duels and 60 ground duels. He also had 122 touches in the opposition box.
