25 years old
©IMAGO
Tottenham has had a challenging start to the season, but recent transfer news is bringing some optimism. The club is poised to finalize a €40 million deal for Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, outpacing Aston Villa in the competition for his signature. Although Villa seemed set to sign Gallagher, Tottenham is closing in on the 25-year-old after agreeing to meet Atlético’s valuation for a permanent transfer this winter, while Villa had preferred an initial loan with a purchase option for later.
While Gallagher hasn’t yet finalized personal terms with Spurs, this is considered a mere formality. The midfielder is eager to complete the transfer quickly, hoping that a return to the Premier League could enhance his chances of rejoining Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Gallagher has only made one appearance under Tuchel, playing 59 minutes in a friendly loss to Senegal. His switch from Chelsea to Diego Simeone’s Atlético was a bold one; let’s take a look at how he fared in LaLiga.
Gallagher’s Performance in Spain
Gallagher joined Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2024, leaving Stamford Bridge for €42 million. The move sparked some dissatisfaction among Chelsea fans, partly due to his status as a homegrown player, which arguably made him a valuable asset under Premier League financial regulations. In his debut season in Madrid, Gallagher had a notable impact; his relentless pressing style aligned well with the team’s approach. He earned the nickname ‘El Pitbull’ for his aggressive pursuit of opponents and quick movement across the pitch, making him a suitable addition to ‘El Cholo’s’ Atlético.
Despite appearing 32 times in LaLiga, he only started half of the 38 league matches due to tough competition from players such as Pablo Barrios, Koke, Rodrigo De Paul, and Marcos Llorente. He also made nine appearances in the Champions League, with a standout moment being his goal against Real Madrid in the round of 16 at the Metropolitano.
This season, Gallagher’s playing time has become even more limited, with just four starts in LaLiga so far. Given that Spurs are looking to bolster their midfield after Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury will sideline him for at least three months, a move to London could rejuvenate Gallagher’s career and better position him for consideration in England’s midfield. Additionally, he hopes that his experiences in Spain will provide him with new insights to carry back to the Premier League.
