How Conor Gallagher has followed in Jude Bellingham's footsteps by exploiting La Liga loophole after £36m Atletico Madrid transfer - explained

The English midfielder's transfer saga finally came to an end earlier this week as he completed his move to Atletico Madrid. His transfer move was finalised a long time back, however, it got stuck after Samu Omorodion's transfer to Chelsea collapsed at the last moment. The Blues then roped in Joao Felix which allowed Gallagher to move to Atletico.

Per Ball.ie, the 24-year-old exploited a La Liga rule while completing his move as he used his Irish Passport. According to La Liga rules, a club can register up to five non-EU players in their squad. Gallagher, who was born in England and represents the Three Lions, also has an Irish lineage and holds the country's passport. Using his Irish connection, the player was registered as the club's regular signing, thus allowing them to register one more player from outside Europe if they want to.

The former Blues star followed in the footsteps of England colleague Jude Bellingham who similarly used his Irish lineage to register himself as a regular European player with Real Madrid last summer while completing his move from Borussia Dortmund.

The player could play his first match of the new season on Sunday as Diego Simeone's side take on Girona at home in La Liga.