Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, with the club moving ahead of Aston Villa in the race for the England international.
According to reports, Tottenham are prepared to meet Atletico’s £35 million valuation in full, putting them firmly in control of negotiations. While Aston Villa were confident earlier in the window, their preference for a loan move with an option to buy did not appeal to Atletico, who are open to an outright sale. Tottenham’s direct approach has allowed them to seize the initiative.
From a tactical perspective, Gallagher’s arrival would add much-needed energy and intensity to Tottenham’s’ midfield. Known for his relentless pressing and high work rate, the 25-year-old offers a profile that complements Tottenham’s existing options, particularly in games where tempo and physicality are crucial.
Gallagher’s ability to operate as a box-to-box midfielder could also provide balance alongside more technical or creative players. His experience in the Premier League and at international level gives Spurs a reliable, proven option capable of contributing immediately rather than needing a lengthy adaptation period.
Tottenham are without Rodrigo Bentacur and Pape Matarr Sarr, who are both injured. Gallagher can provide cover for these players now that they are injured and also when they come back. This also means that Yves Bissouma could be on his way out of the club, as he has fallen out of favour with Thomas Frank.
Personal terms are yet to be finalised, but talks are ongoing and understood to be straightforward. Gallagher himself is keen for the deal to be wrapped up swiftly, ideally before Atletico’s Copa del Rey clash with Deportivo, as he looks to settle his future ahead of the new season.
If completed, the transfer would signal Tottenham’s intent to strengthen the engine room with a player who combines experience, intensity, and tactical discipline—qualities that could prove decisive as Tottenham aim to push higher up the Premier League table and quickly turn things around in the Premier League.
