He wants to join: Tottenham lead Premier League race for £200,000-a-week star in January
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have emerged as the leading contenders in the January transfer battle for Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
Both Premier League giants are keen to strengthen their midfield options during the winter window, and the England international is viewed as a realistic and high-quality target who could be available at the right price. Gallagher only made the switch to Atlético Madrid from Chelsea 18 months ago in a deal worth around £35 million, but his long-term future in Spain is already uncertain.
Despite arriving with high expectations, the 25-year-old has struggled to cement a regular starting role under Diego Simeone this season. His minutes have been limited across LaLiga and European competition, leading to growing speculation that Atlético would be open to sanctioning his departure should a suitable offer arrive. As a result, a return to the Premier League at the start of 2026 is increasingly seen as a strong possibility, with no shortage of interest from English clubs.
Gallagher Open to Premier League Comeback
TEAMtalk claims that Tottenham and Manchester United are currently in pole position to secure Gallagher’s signature, with Atlético Madrid prepared to listen to offers as they reshape their squad. Spurs head coach Thomas Frank is believed to be a major admirer of the midfielder and sees him as an ideal fit for his system in north London.
Tottenham’s interest in Gallagher is far from new. The club have monitored his development closely since his breakthrough years at Chelsea and during his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace, even when he was contracted to their London rivals. Frank reportedly values Gallagher’s energy, tactical discipline and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
From the player’s perspective, a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is said to be an attractive proposition. Gallagher’s London roots play a part, as does the opportunity to feature in the Champions League this season, something Spurs can offer as they push to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite.
However, Tottenham are unlikely to have a clear run at the midfielder. Manchester United, now under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, are also pushing hard to reinforce their midfield before the February 2 deadline, and Gallagher is high on their shortlist.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United remain interested and can provide top-level European football, while Everton and West Ham United are also monitoring the situation closely. West Ham, in particular, are expected to be active in the market as they look to refresh their squad in a bid to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Gallagher’s primary objective is believed to be securing regular first-team football. With Thomas Tuchel set to name his England squad ahead of the North American World Cup this summer, the midfielder knows that consistent minutes will be crucial if he is to force his way back into international contention. That ambition could prove decisive in determining his next move.
Why Gallagher Makes Sense for Spurs in January
The January transfer window is notoriously difficult for clubs looking to find quality additions without overpaying, but Gallagher represents a rare opportunity for Tottenham. His availability, experience and suitability make him far more appealing than a typical mid-season stopgap.
Crucially, Gallagher is not a panic option. Spurs have tracked him for several years and have long believed that the £200,000-a-week midfielder could add balance, intensity and leadership to their engine room. With Atlético now open to selling, Tottenham may finally have the chance to act on that long-standing admiration.
Midfield has been an area of inconsistency for Spurs this season, with the partnership of Rodrigo Bentancur and João Palhinha drawing criticism at various points during the campaign. Gallagher’s arrival would offer Thomas Frank greater flexibility, improved pressing from midfield and an added goal threat from deep positions.
Perhaps just as important is Gallagher’s mindset. As a proven Premier League performer, he would require little adaptation time and would arrive highly motivated, eager to impress and willing to go the extra mile to catch Tuchel’s eye. His relentless work rate and leadership qualities could prove invaluable during the business end of the season.
Meanwhile, much of the early January narrative around Tottenham has focused on the future of Brennan Johnson, who appears to be closing in on a move to Crystal Palace. The deal could be completed before the weekend, potentially freeing up funds for reinvestment.
Should Johnson depart, Spurs may look to strengthen elsewhere in attack too, with Manchester City winger Savinho once again on their radar following discussions held during the summer. For now, though, Conor Gallagher remains one of the standout midfield targets as Tottenham weigh up a decisive move in the January window.