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Manchester United have received good news in their search for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher. The Red Devils are expected to use the January transfer window to strengthen midfield, which has now become a problematic position for Ruben Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes’ injury has exposed the lack of options in the middle of the park for the Portuguese head coach, especially with Kobbie Mainoo also sidelined.
United were always expected to invest in the middle of the park in 2026. However, the turbulent month of December, in which they have won only two of their six matches, has accelerated things for Amorim.
Recent reports from The Peoples Person claim that Conor Gallagher is on the England giants’ radar this month.
Premier League proven option
INEOS achieved great success by signing players from the Premier League in the summer of 2025. As such, United remain linked with several midfielders from the top flight of English football to help solve their riddle.
Gallagher also has experience of playing in the Premier League with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, where he made 136 appearances and scored 18 goals.
Conor Gallagher Premier League Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Performances (sub) | 136 (20) |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 14.69 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 10.12 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 270 |
| Penalties (scored) | 0 (0) |
| Hit Woodwork | 7 |
| Free kicks (scored) | 4 (4) |
| Crosses (completed %) | 146 (18%) |
| Passing (completed %) | 4,678 (86%) |
| Long strides (completed %) | 278 (58%) |
| Corners taken | 155 |
| Minutes played | 10,132 |
| Dribbles (completed %) | 233 (58%) |
| Duels won | 731 |
| Won aerial duels | 90 |
| Total tackles | 281 |
| Interceptions | 122 |
| Blocks | 38 |
| Red cards | 2 |
| Yellow cards | 37 |
| Violations | 226 |
| Offside | 5 |
| Own goals | 0 |
Source: Premier League website.
The player was highly rated at Stamford Bridge before moving to the Metropolitano Stadium in the summer of 2024. After a decent debut season, Gallagher has fallen out of favor under Diego Simeone and the Red Devils are ready to take advantage of the situation.
Now it appears The Red and White are also preparing for the 25-year-old’s departure.
Atletico Madrid want Leon Goretzka
According to a report from TransfersAtletico Madrid have set their sights on Leon Goretzka as a possible replacement for Gallagher. The German midfielder has entered the final six months of his contract with Bayern Munich and is yet to sign a new contract.
Goretzka has scored 46 goals and 48 assists in 287 appearances for the Bavarians so far, but has struggled for opportunities under Vincent Kompany this season. His playing style also makes him a good fit for Simeone.
Meanwhile, a recent report from The Peoples Person claims that United are also considering a move for the 30-year-old in January. However, doubts remain over the move, especially as the player is already on the wrong side of 30 and his contract expires in a few months.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in the player, on the other hand, will be good news for the Red Devils as it means they can finally get their hands on Gallagher.
Final thoughts
United have been linked to Goretzka for years, but this move never materialized. There is no point in securing his services now as he is about to enter the final stages of his career.
Meanwhile, Gallagher could be a smart addition to Amorim’s squad, so the Red Devils should make good use of the latest developments and prize him away.
Featured image Aitor Alcade via Getty Images
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