Sources: Aston Villa in race to sign England star, £50m could seal deal
Aston Villa Enter Transfer Race for Conor Gallagher as Premier League Interest Grows
Aston Villa have officially joined the increasingly competitive race to sign England international Conor Gallagher, with Newcastle United, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur all expressing a strong interest in bringing the Atletico Madrid midfielder back to the Premier League this summer.
According to senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, multiple top-flight English clubs are monitoring Gallagher’s situation closely. The 25-year-old, who made a high-profile switch from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid last summer for a reported fee of around £40 million, could be available once again if the La Liga side decide to cash in on him.
Although Atletico Madrid are not actively pushing to sell Gallagher—who still features in Diego Simeone’s plans for the upcoming season—they could be swayed by a significant offer. Sources have confirmed to Football Insider that the Spanish giants would demand a fee in the region of £50 million to let him go. This development, first reported on July 13, has prompted renewed interest from a number of Premier League sides, most notably Newcastle United, who are actively looking to reinforce their midfield.
The Magpies are long-term admirers of Gallagher, and former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently confirmed that Newcastle have identified the midfielder as a prime target for the summer window. With Sandro Tonali returning from suspension, Gallagher is seen as the ideal candidate to provide dynamism and balance in Eddie Howe’s midfield setup.
Aston Villa’s entry into the race adds further intrigue. Unai Emery is said to be a keen admirer of Gallagher’s box-to-box qualities and sees him as a valuable asset ahead of Villa’s return to European competition. The club is looking to bolster its squad depth and experience as they aim to build on last season’s progress.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur remain firmly in the mix. Spurs were heavily linked with Gallagher during the 2023 summer window but failed to reach an agreement with Chelsea. Their long-standing interest hasn’t waned, and they are once again exploring the possibility of securing his signature.
Gallagher himself is reportedly eager to play regular first-team football next season. With the 2026 World Cup in mind, the midfielder wants to remain a central figure in Gareth Southgate’s England setup—or potentially under Thomas Tuchel, should the former Chelsea boss take charge of the national team as rumoured. That desire for consistent game time could be a decisive factor in choosing his next destination.
Speaking about the mounting interest, O’Rourke said, “It’s no surprise to see Premier League clubs lining up for Conor Gallagher. He’s a top-level midfielder who’s proven himself at Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and now Atletico Madrid. The next year is pivotal for him, especially with the World Cup on the horizon, so he’ll want to go somewhere he’s guaranteed minutes.”
He added, “A £50 million fee is steep, but Gallagher’s profile and potential justify the price. Whether clubs like Everton or Villa are willing to go that high remains to be seen, but the interest is definitely real. If Atletico make him available, there’s going to be serious competition.”
Villa Also Eye Goalkeeper as Emi Martinez’s Future Remains Unclear
In addition to their interest in Gallagher, Aston Villa are also targeting reinforcements between the sticks amid uncertainty over World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez’s future. The Villans have set their sights on Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor and are reportedly ready to compete with Manchester United for the 20-year-old’s signature.
As revealed by Football Insider on July 13, Villa have identified Victor as a long-term option in goal. The Brazilian youngster has impressed scouts with his performances, particularly during the Club World Cup, where he helped his side keep a clean sheet against eventual finalists Paris Saint-Germain.
Victor’s current contract includes a release clause of £6 million—an attractive price tag for a player with his talent and potential. The clause was inserted following negotiations with Botafogo’s controversial owner, John Textor, who has connections to multiple football clubs worldwide.
Manchester United are also tracking the young keeper, having deployed scouts to monitor his performances in recent months. However, Villa are believed to be pushing hard to beat their Premier League rivals to the punch.
With key targets like Gallagher and Victor in their sights, Aston Villa are showing serious intent in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for a demanding 2024/25 campaign both domestically and in Europe. As the window progresses, fans can expect more twists in what is shaping up to be a summer of ambition and high-stakes moves across the Premier League.