In a dramatic late twist to the January transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have swooped to sign midfielder Conor Gallagher, snatching the deal from under the nose of Aston Villa. The England international is set to return to the Premier League from Atletico Madrid.
The Deal and The Details
According to reports from The Athletic, Spurs are closing in on the 25-year-old after submitting a winning bid of €40 million (approximately £34.7 million). Gallagher only moved to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2024, with Atletico paying Chelsea around £34 million for his signature on a five-year contract.
Despite making 50 appearances in all competitions in his debut season and featuring 27 times this campaign, Gallagher has not been a guaranteed starter under manager Diego Simeone. This opened the door for a return to England, with both Villa and Tottenham exploring a deal this month.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Aston Villa were attempting to structure a deal as a loan with an option to buy in the summer. However, no agreement was reached with the Midlands club, and the player's preference for a return to London has played into Tottenham's hands.
Gallagher's England Ambitions and Spurs' Midfield Crisis
The move holds significant weight for Gallagher's international future. With 22 caps already for England, the midfielder is keen to force his way back into the Three Lions squad in time for this summer's World Cup. He was a favourite of current manager Thomas Tuchel but has played just once for his country in 2025.
For Tottenham, the acquisition addresses a critical shortage in midfield. Manager Thomas Frank has been contending with a lengthy injury list in the centre of the park:
- James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, and Dejan Kulusevski are all sidelined with long-term injuries.
- Youngster Lucas Bergvall is also unavailable.
- Furthermore, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Gallagher's energy, Premier League experience, and goal threat from midfield are seen as vital reinforcements for Spurs' push in the second half of the season.
What This Means for the Clubs Involved
This transfer represents a significant coup for Tottenham, who have acted decisively to secure a key target and bolster a depleted squad. For Aston Villa, it is a setback in their January plans, having missed out on a player who could have added quality and depth.
For Atletico Madrid, the deal allows them to recoup most of their initial investment on a player who was not a central figure, providing funds for their own squad adjustments. All eyes will now be on how quickly Gallagher can adapt and whether he can reignite his England career in North London.
