Tottenham Hotspur revive interest in Manchester United target Conor Gallagher, as Atlético Madrid weigh January sale
Manchester United have been looking for a defensive midfielder since the summer to strengthen the spine of the team and provide consistent protection for the back line. Opposition teams often exposed this weakness during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, and it has continued under Ruben Amorim as well.
Casemiro brought experience, but his performances have been inconsistent, and creative midfielders such as Bruno Fernandes have always felt the need for extra protection. Ruben Amorim has put his faith in Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, but the search for the right balance is still ongoing. Meanwhile, reports suggest Saudi clubs could return for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in 2026, which has raised further questions about the midfield structure.
Conor Gallagher’s status and main news
Spanish news outlet Fichajes has reported that Conor Gallagher may look to leave Atlético Madrid in the January 2026 transfer window. The Argentine manager Diego Simeone signed the Englishman to strengthen his project. However, the 25-year-old is now looking to leave Spain, and rumours about a possible move back to England have intensified. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have locked horns for his signature.
Manchester United
Tottenham vs Manchester United for Conor Gallagher
The Red Devils were very close to signing Gallagher in the summer, but could not agree a deal by the time the transfer window ended. Now, Spurs have intensified their interest, and the Spanish club has a chance to earn big money from his sale in January. Thomas Frank might be looking to go all guns blazing for him in January amid United’s interest. Meanwhile, reports reveal that Real Madrid are also planning to make a bid for another United target, Adam Wharton. Hence, the situation is becoming increasingly tough for Ruben Amorim and co.
United’s interest in Gallagher and potential impact:
Manchester United’s interest in the English midfielder is not new. The real reason is that Amorim’s 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 requires a high work rate and flexibility from central midfielders. Casemiro is no longer as effective as before, and Mainoo has not yet earned Amorim’s confidence. Gallagher has Premier League experience, strong pressing skills and can contribute box-to-box. Tottenham are keen on him, but a move to Spurs may not be a cakewalk given his Chelsea connections.
The January transfer window will be crucial for Atlético Madrid because they want a permanent deal only. The 25-year-old has had limited playing time so far, and that could force the club to sell him. If United sign him, Amorim could fit him into a midfield pivot alongside Ugarte. This position would give Bruno Fernandes more attacking freedom, while Mainoo could be used in a forward role or as an option off the bench, although that situation could eventually push the 20-year-old to leave the club. A likely line-up would feature three defenders, with Yoro, De Ligt or Maguire, and Martinez, while wing-backs such as Shaw and Dalot would stretch the play.
Gallagher’s energy and work rate would boost the team’s pressing levels, which is not especially efficient at present. However, there have been questions over his passing vision and consistency. Still, many United fans believe this move could lift the club out of its long-standing midfield problem. A player like Gallagher could bring balance to Amorim’s tactics and give the team the edge the Red Devils desperately need to compete with the top teams in the Premier League.