In a significant twist to the January transfer window, Aston Villa have surged ahead of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to secure a deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Villa Steal a March on Rivals
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, a six-month loan deal with an option to buy has been verbally agreed between Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid. The update, posted on Romano's X account on 12th January 2026, confirms Villa's decisive move for the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace player.
Romano stated: “More on Conor Gallagher. Aston Villa verbally agreed deal with Atlético Madrid today. Tottenham also asked for Gallagher deal conditions after Bentancur injury today. Villa had initial green light from Gallagher but waiting for next steps on player side.”
Spurs and United Left Looking Elsewhere
The news is a blow to both Tottenham and Manchester United, who had registered interest in the England international. Spurs' pursuit intensified recently after midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur suffered an injury, compounding existing absences including James Maddison, who has a season-ending ACL issue.
Manchester United had also been linked with a move, with reports in Spain last month suggesting they were preparing a £26 million bid for the 25-year-old. However, Villa's swift negotiations have put them in pole position to bring Gallagher back to the English top flight.
Gallagher's Situation and World Cup Hopes
Gallagher has found game time limited at Atlético Madrid this season, making 19 La Liga appearances but starting only four. A return to the Premier League is seen as crucial for his hopes of securing a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup in the summer.
His potential arrival at Villa Park comes after public backing from Atlético manager Diego Simeone, who praised Gallagher's offensive speed and defensive work rate in April, while acknowledging areas for improvement.
With the deal advancing, Tottenham must now urgently seek alternative targets to bolster a squad depleted by injuries to key players like Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, and Richarlison, following the recent departure of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.
