Gallagher’s Future: Potential Premier League Moves Amid Limited Playing Time

Conor Gallagher has struggled to secure consistent playing time in his second season with Atletico Madrid. The 25-year-old has made 19 league appearances this season, but only five of those were as a starter. Notably, he began in the Supercopa semi-final defeat against Real Madrid. Despite his limited minutes, Gallagher maintains a positive rapport with head coach Diego Simeone.

This month, Gallagher’s prospects of returning to the Premier League appear promising, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur expressing interest in acquiring the former Chelsea midfielder. Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, is keen on adding an energetic midfielder during the January transfer window and holds Gallagher in high regard.

Aston Villa aims to secure Gallagher on loan for the remainder of the season, with an obligation to purchase included in the deal. Manchester United previously presented a similar proposal to Atletico Madrid during the summer, but it was rejected. The Spanish club is reportedly open to offers around £35 million.

United is actively monitoring Gallagher’s situation this month as they seek to enhance their midfield options. The club had been linked with a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba over the summer but could not reach an agreement with the Seagulls. Alongside Gallagher, United has also expressed interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

However, Villa and United will face competition from Spurs, who are evaluating their midfield options amid injury concerns this month.

The potential future of Harvey Elliott could influence Gallagher’s transfer. Elliott joined Villa on loan on the September deadline day, with a stipulation for a permanent transfer contingent upon him playing a certain number of matches. Emery has stated that Villa will not be making Elliott’s loan permanent, emphasizing the need for a resolution regarding his situation.

Elliott has already played for both Liverpool and Villa this season, and FIFA regulations allow a player to represent only two clubs in a single season, leaving the 22-year-old in a precarious position for the upcoming months.

Aston Villa will look to get back to winning ways when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday. The Villans played to a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace midweek, a result that means they have won only one of their last three competitive matches. Despite this, Emery’s squad remains resilient, having secured victory in 12 of their last 14 competitive outings, including a prior win against Spurs this season, where goals from Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia led to a 2-1 triumph.