Midfielder insists he is not pushing for a move but World Cup prospects might be a significant factor
Manchester United midfield target Conor Gallagher has admitted he is frustrated over his limited role at Atletico Madrid.
The England midfielder moved to Spain from Chelsea in 2024 in a deal worth around €40m. He quickly scored on his La Liga debut, becoming the first Englishman in more than a century to find the net for Atletico.
But Gallagher’s playing time has diminished sharply since. This season he has made only two starts and completed just one full match, appearing 12 times as a substitute.
Simeone has preferred more established figures such as captain Koke and Pablo Barrios, as well as new signing Alex Baena, leaving Gallagher rotating in and out of the side.
“I’m not satisfied,” the Englishman told AS. “I don’t think anyone will be if they don’t play as much as they would like, but I will continue to work very hard to, whenever I have the opportunity, help the team and hopefully more opportunities will come to be a starter.”
There have been links to Manchester United, who are weighing the possibility of a midfield reinforcement ahead of the January window. United have the reliable Bruno Fernandes as one of their central midfield two in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, but they can count only on the 33-year-old Casemiro to fill the other position.
The Brazilian has impressed this season but when he has been substituted Amorim’s side have struggled. The other options Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are unreliable.
However, Gallagher insisted he is not pushing for a move and still believes he can make a career in Madrid.
“I’m very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I said, I’m going to continue working to the maximum to play more minutes and be able to help the team.”
His lack of club minutes can affect his international prospects, and that might be a significant factor for the midfielder as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Gallagher wants to be in the conversation for England. He said he has spoken with manager Thomas Tuchel about what he needs to do to make the squad.
“That’s one of my goals,” said Gallagher. “I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what he needs from me and what I have to do to return to the team.
“And it seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point. But, as I said before, I will continue to do my best to get more minutes and, hopefully, return to the national team.”
