Tottenham Set to Beat Aston Villa to Conor Gallagher Signing
Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Conor Gallagher, moving ahead of Aston Villa in the race for the Atletico Madrid midfielder just days after losing to Unai Emery’s side in the FA Cup.
Villa had been exploring options to bolster their squad as they attempt to stay in touch with the Premier League title race while juggling domestic cup commitments. However, Spurs have stepped in decisively, putting themselves in pole position to secure the 25-year-old’s return to English football.
Gallagher only joined Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2024, completing a £38 million move that ended an 18-year association with Chelsea. It marked the biggest transfer of his career and a fresh challenge under Diego Simeone, with the England international quickly becoming a trusted squad member in Madrid.
The midfielder made 50 appearances in his debut season for Atletico, scoring four goals and earning praise from Simeone for his energy, intensity, and adaptability across multiple roles. This season, Gallagher has featured 27 times and scored three goals, although a growing number of appearances from the bench has reduced his prominence in the starting lineup.
That shift has opened the door to a Premier League return. Earlier reports suggested Villa had reached a verbal agreement with Atletico over a loan deal, but developments moved quickly. Tottenham submitted a £34.7 million bid that is expected to be accepted, with Gallagher keen on the move. Villa’s interest was described as strong, yet no agreement was finalised, allowing Spurs to move ahead.
The backdrop to the deal is a crowded midfield at Atletico and limited starts in La Liga this campaign, with Gallagher making just four league starts. For Tottenham, the move represents a statement of intent as they look to add energy, pressing ability, and tactical flexibility to their squad.
If the transfer is completed swiftly, Gallagher could make his Tottenham debut this Saturday when Thomas Frank’s side host West Ham in the Premier League. Should the deal take longer, there is still time remaining in the January window to finalise terms. European involvement will have to wait, however, as Champions League squad changes cannot be made until after the league phase, delaying any continental debut until the knockout rounds.