'A new low' - Social media explodes as Chelsea sell Conor Gallagher, sign Joao Felix & ruthlessly exile both Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell all in one bonkers day

In a hectic day for the Premier League side, they offloaded academy graduate Conor Gallagher to Atletico, while bringing Portugal international Felix back to Stamford Bridge from the Madrid side. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell have been exiled from the squad as the club look to sell the pair.

The Blues used Kanye West's song Homecoming in a video showing Felix on the training ground, adding the caption: "Home again." That sparked an angry reaction from some given Felix only spent a few months on loan at Chelsea in 2023 prior to joining them just as they forced Gallagher out after 18 years at the club.

Also, coach Enzo Maresca's decision to exile Sterling and Chilwell has been the subject of discussion among Blues supporters.

"Using Homecoming on the announcement of a former loan player you've only signed to enable the sale of an actual homegrown player is a new low," said one fan on X.

"No way Chelsea are using this “homecoming” gimmick for a player who was on loan with them for half a season and the only reason this transfer happened is because they forced out a kid who’d been with the club since he was 6 years old," EiF said. "So ridiculous."

Talking Tactics posted: "Until you get sent to the guest house. That caption & choice of music sure is a kick in the teeth to one or two."

Chelsea appear to be signing Joao Felix solely because they failed to sign Samu Omorodion," Colin Millar said. "And they need to give Atletico Madrid a lot of money so they can afford to sign Conor Gallagher. It really is an inexplicable way of running a football club."

"It is so obvious Behdad [Eghbali, co-owner] is doing everything now, from Gallagher & Felix to Sterling who was Boehly’s star signing. Clearlake are ruining us," said Fred.

Tommy Gunn wrote: "They have done sterling [sic] bad and I am not his biggest fan", while Analytical Football said: "Maresca stance on no playtime for Sterling, is a bitter surprise to his camp. Hope he finds his form again. Godspeed Sterling!"

"Sterling's number given to someone else while sterling is still at the club. Weird weird club [sic]," said RedAntLFC, referring to the news Sterling's No.7 has now been given to new signing Pedro Neto.

"Stripped Sterling of his number and booted him from first team training despite him honouring his contract and making no offences. Absolutely classless," said Magic hat. "How can anyone have respect for Chelsea’s owners and management, including Maresca."

Chelsea will attempt to sell Sterling and Chilwell before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Sterling has been offered to Aston Villa and is of reported interest to Juventus, while it was reported that Chilwell was proposed to Manchester United.

The Blues will hope to have the pair off of their books before long, while Maresca's team prepare for Thursday's Conference League game against Servette. Three days later, they will take on Wolves in the Premier League.