Key Takeaways:
- Atletico Madrid anticipate several offers for Conor Gallagher during the January transfer window
- Gallagher, who joined from Chelsea last summer, has dropped down the midfield hierarchy following the arrivals of Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, and Alexa Baena
- Premier League clubs Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Manchester United are interested, with Spurs and Newcastle prioritised due to Champions League contention
Midfield Competition Intensifies at Atletico Madrid
Conor Gallagher’s future at Atletico Madrid has come under scrutiny following a challenging debut season since his high-profile transfer from Chelsea last summer. Despite his significant move to the Spanish capital, Gallagher has found consistent starting opportunities difficult to secure at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Ahead of the 2025/26 season, manager Diego Simeone invested heavily in midfield reinforcements, acquiring Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, and Alexa Baena. These arrivals, alongside Pablo Barrios, have relegated Gallagher further in the squad’s hierarchy.
#mufc handed January Connor Gallagher transfer boost following Liverpool defeat 🚨⬇️https://t.co/SM29ZBV2DK
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) September 18, 2025
Premier League Return Holds Appeal Amid Uncertain Future
Gallagher was unexpectedly selected in Atletico’s starting XI for their dramatic 3-2 UEFA Champions League loss to Liverpool at Anfield, but was substituted after an hour. This cameo has only fuelled speculation surrounding his future, with the 25-year-old reportedly considering a return to the Premier League. Former club Crystal Palace are rumoured to be interested in re-signing him.
However, Gallagher remains intent on continuing to feature in Champions League football, a factor that may deter a potential move to Manchester United at the outset of the 2026 campaign.
Clubs Lining Up for Gallagher’s Signature
According to reports, Manchester United may submit an offer, but both Tottenham and Newcastle United are frontrunners, with their Champions League participation providing extra allure. The player’s ambition to feature regularly is also linked to his hopes of securing a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.
A loan move for the second half of the 2025/26 season remains a possibility, keeping his options in Madrid alive. Both Spurs and Newcastle can offer Champions League football at the start of 2026, yet Newcastle’s established midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes could limit Gallagher’s playing time.
Meanwhile, Tottenham, under Thomas Frank, present greater tactical flexibility following the acquisition of Joao Palhinha on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich in August.
