Conor Gallagher’s Atletico Madrid Move Cleverly Avoids Non-EU Player Limit
The transfer window has finally come to an end, and Atletico Madrid have completed their fourth signing of the summer, with Conor Gallagher joining the team from Chelsea. But what makes this move particularly clever is how the Spanish side has managed to get around La Liga’s non-EU player limit.
The Issue at Hand
La Liga has a rule that states teams can only have three non-EU players in their squads. With neither Nahuel Molina nor Samuel Lino holding EU passports, Atletico were left with only one non-EU space to fill. The concern was that both Gallagher and Julian Alvarez, the team’s other new signing, would occupy non-EU spots, leaving the team with only two options: sell one of the players or break the rules.
The Loophole: Conor’s Irish Roots
However, thanks to Gallagher’s Irish heritage on his father’s side, he is eligible for an Irish passport. As the Republic of Ireland is an EU member state, Gallagher will not count as a non-EU player in the squad. This clever move by Atletico has allowed them to bypass the rule and register both Gallagher and Alvarez as EU players.
A Familiar Trick
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this trick used in football. Last summer, Real Madrid signed Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund and had him request an Irish passport to ensure he could play in the Spanish league. It’s a clever tactic that allows teams to get around the rules and strengthen their squads.
The Impact on Atletico
With Gallagher now registered as an EU player, Atletico Madrid have gained a significant boost to their squad. The midfielder’s arrival is expected to bring a new level of competition to the team, and his partnership with Alvarez and other new signings could be crucial in the team’s push for silverware.
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