Manchester United have suffered a major transfer blow as Michael Carrick’s ideal first signing has joined a Premier League rival in a bargain deal
16:45, 14 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick
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Manchester United missed out on signing Michael Carrick an ideal target(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have suffered a major transfer blow with Conor Gallagher signing for Tottenham Hotspur.
Gallagher, 25, has returned to London from Atletico Madrid for a fee in the region of £34million on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The England midfielder came through at Chelsea before departing to join the La Liga giants in 2024.
Despite a positive first campaign in Madrid, Gallagher fell out of favour under Diego Simeone, seeing him start just four of Atleti’s 18 league games this season. The midfielder’s availability was clear heading into January and United were reportedly waiting in the wings.
Conor Gallagher celebrating a goal for Atletico Madrid
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Conor Gallagher sealed his return to England with Tottenham(Image: AP)
It is a huge blow for United who fell behind in the race for Gallagher after being persistently linked with him as they sought to address their problems in midfield, only to seemingly have an approach rejected in the summer.
Reports in Spain in December claimed United were ‘preparing an initial offer’ of around £26m for the England international.
Speaking last month about Gallagher’s future, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said: “I think there is a chance for Conor Gallagher to leave Atletico Madrid already in the January transfer window or eventually in the summer.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - JANUARY 04: Conor Gallagher of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Anoeta on January 4, 2026, in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo By Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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The England midfielder was out of favour under Diego Simeone(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
“This will also depend on the formula of the deal. Manchester United were interested in Conor Gallagher as an opportunity in the final days of August but Atletico said no to a loan move and they don’t have that kind of intention.”
However, just 18 months after leaving London, Gallagher is back. The versatile and energetic midfielder was also heavily linked with a loan switch to Aston Villa, but Atletico favoured the permanent option of Spurs.
Gallagher appeared to be an ideal signing for United given their midfield issues. A long-term replacement for Casemiro is being sort, with links to Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson dominating transfer talk.
Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United poses at Carrington Training Ground on January 13, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Michael Carrick is the new Manchester United manager until the end of the season(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
But United never appeared to follow through with their early interest, and after Ruben Amorim’s sacking, the interest appeared to have cooled. Given Gallagher's previous box-to-box role at Chelsea, it appears unlikely he would suit a defensive midfield role, while Bruno Fernandes will hold down the No.10 role and Kobbe Mainoo will be given his chance to resurrect his career as the team's No.8 - Gallagher's preferred role.
Gallagher is in line to make his Tottenham debut on Saturday at home against West Ham in a crucial match for both teams.
Thomas Frank is under mounting pressure with Spurs 14th in the league and picking up just one win in their last seven games in all competitions. A long-term injury suffered by Rodrigo Bentancur means Gallagher will likely be in the matchday squad as early as possible.
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Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether United will conduct any transfer business in January. Signing players for interim manager Michael Carrick appears to be an option even too ridiculous for INEOS to consider.