Manchester United spent the final stages of the summer transfer window looking for a new midfielder and Conor Gallagher was one of the options.
Throughout the summer, Ruben Amorim wanted an “athletic” midfielder to be signed at Manchester United.
While United were prepared to bid for Carlos Baleba, Brighton’s asking price of £115m meant the Red Devils walked away prepared to return in 2026.
Once Baleba was deemed unavailable, Ineos set their sights elsewhere and United enquired about Conor Gallagher in the final days of the window.
Ultimately, the only deadline day arrival was an £18m deal for Senne Lammens, with Gallagher staying put at Atletico Madrid.
Conor Gallagher tries to keep the ball in play for Atletico Madrid
Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
How Conor Gallagher feels about Premier League move
United in Focus spoke exclusively to Graeme Bailey on deadline day, and he said: “I can confirm that United were one of the teams to have asked about Conor Gallagher in recent days – he would be an interesting option – that didn’t happen but let’s keep an eye on that for January.”
A move in January for Gallagher cannot be ruled out, but it seems he is fairly comfortable in Madrid.
According to Spanish outlet AS, manager Diego Simeone is “very pleased” with Gallagher and his performances.
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While Gallagher was “tempted” by a return to the Premier League in the summer, the report adds that his intention is to stay and succeed with Atletico.
Simeone has also been conducting “personalised training sessions” with Gallagher over the break to prepare him for the remainder of the season.
Finally, it adds that Gallagher’s market value is currently £35 million, with his contract in Madrid valid until 2027.
Ineos were right to leave Conor Gallagher deal
United certainly have issues in midfield that Ruben Amorim must solve, and a new midfielder must be a top priority in 2026.
But it is essential that United sign direct improvements on their current options, and Gallagher would have been a short-term fix, and not the kind of profile that the Red Devils needed.
At 25 years old, Gallagher does fit into Ineos’ transfer philosophy, and he would have added to United’s Premier League-proven signings.
READ MORE: Man Utd enquired for £53m Chelsea star as fourth midfielder joins Carlos Baleba on transfer wish list
But United ideally need a partner for Fernandes to improve the starting XI, and Gallagher would have fallen into the same trap as Kobbie Mainoo by competing with the Portuguese playmaker for a spot.
Ultimately, United must target Baleba in 2026 and go all out for the Brighton star. He is Amorim’s first choice, and he is the best way to improve the current line up.