Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing a significant midfield reinforcement, with the club poised to announce the signing of England international Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.
Medical Completed as Deal Agreed
The 25-year-old midfielder reportedly underwent a medical in London on Monday afternoon, finalising his return to the Premier League. Spurs have agreed a fee of £34.7 million with the Spanish giants to secure his services.
Gallagher departed English football in August 2024, moving to Atletico Madrid for £34 million. His return comes at a crucial time for head coach Thomas Frank, who is currently grappling with injuries to key midfielders Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Dejan Kulusevski.
A Return to London with Chelsea History
The move marks a notable chapter for Gallagher, who is a product of Chelsea's esteemed youth academy. He made 95 first-team appearances for the Blues and even captained the side on several occasions during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Upon his original departure from Chelsea, Gallagher posted an emotional farewell, stating: “To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true. It's been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt... I appreciate all the love and support from the fans.”
His history with Tottenham's fierce London rivals is an undeniable subplot to the transfer. Gallagher has faced Spurs seven times in his career for West Brom, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea, registering two assists in meetings during the 2023/24 season.
Fan Reaction and Potential Debut
The announcement has sparked varied reactions online, with some supporters recalling the social media strategy used when Matt Docherty joined Spurs and deleted old pro-Arsenal posts. One fan suggested the club should “run this back” in a similar tongue-in-cheek manner, an idea that divided opinion among the fanbase.
On the pitch, Gallagher could be thrust into immediate action. He is in contention to make his Tottenham debut this Saturday in a must-win Premier League match against West Ham United, a fixture that carries added pressure for manager Thomas Frank.
This transfer represents a major coup for Spurs as they aim to bolster their squad depth and quality in the engine room, bringing a proven Premier League performer with international pedigree back to the English top flight.