'He's joined the enemy' - Chelsea fans label Conor Gallagher a 'snake' as transfer confirmed

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the high-profile signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in a £34m-€40m deal, sparking fury among Chelsea fans who view the move to their London rivals as the ultimate betrayal.

Gallagher, the 25-year-old England international and former Chelsea captain, joined Atletico from the Blues in August 2024 for around £38m after making over 130 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, where he often wore the armband in 2023/24.[1][2][3][4][5] After 17 months in Spain—featuring 50 appearances, four goals, a historic Champions League strike against Real Madrid, and England caps including the Euro 2024 final—his role diminished under Diego Simeone this 2025/26 season, limited to just four La Liga starts amid new signings like Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada.[1][3][4][5]

Spurs, managed by Thomas Frank, swooped after agreeing terms with Atletico, fending off Aston Villa. The transfer was accelerated by injuries to Rodrigo Bentancur (three-month hamstring absence), James Maddison (ACL), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), and Dejan Kulusevski (knee).[1][2][3][4] Gallagher signed a long-term contract, subject to international clearance, and enthused: “I’m thrilled... I always aspired to be a Spurs player... I’m ready to step onto the pitch and create memorable moments with the incredible fans.” Frank praised his “leadership, maturity, stamina, pressing, and goal-scoring instincts,” calling him a key squad enhancer.[1][3][4][5]

Chelsea supporters erupted on social media, branding Gallagher a “snake” for crossing to north London foes. Posts flooded with “He’s joined the enemy,” “Judas in midfield,” and “From Blues hero to Spurs zero—enjoy the banter era, traitor!” One fan raged: “Captained us, now aids our rivals? Pure snake move.” Others mocked: “£35m for a benchwarmer who ditched us for Madrid, now flops back to PL mid-table?” The vitriol highlights Gallagher’s deep Chelsea roots, fueling a fierce rivalry narrative as Spurs eye midfield reinforcement.[1]

This £35m coup bolsters Tottenham’s injury-hit squad, but Chelsea fans’ backlash underscores the emotional sting of a homegrown talent turning rival.

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