Passport rule which allows Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez transfers to Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid are closing in on a double Premier League transfer for Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez.

Los Rojiblancos are prepared to spend big ahead of the new season as they aim for a La Liga title challenge in 2024/25.

Chelsea midfielder Gallagher has finally accepted Atletico Madrid’s offer, after weeks of talks with the Blues, and the England international is already in Madrid for a medical.

The move to snatch Alvarez from Manchester City has been more immediate but an agreement is close for the Argentinian.

However, despite concerns over the pair’s eligibility to complete moves, a passport rule allows both players to be registered as per La Liga rules.

The current rulebook states only three non-EU players can be registered within a squad with two places already filled at the Estadio Metropolitano.

Alvarez already has dual nationality, with an Italian passport, and Gallagher can apply for an Irish one in future if needed. to allow for that third spot to be filled by another player.