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It is increasingly looking like Conor Gallagher will not remain at Atlético Madrid for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season.
After leaving Chelsea in the summer of 2024 with ambitions to build a reputation in Spanish football, Gallagher enjoyed a respectable debut season.
However, the Englishman has failed to build on that initial promise.
Gallagher’s gaming problems
The 25-year-old has struggled to secure a regular place in Diego Simeone’s starting lineup.
Of his 18 La Liga appearances this season, he has started just four games, which is far too few for a player determined to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Furthermore, Gallagher’s extended spells on the bench, with midfielders such as Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton and Alex Scott, doing almost every week no favors in the Three Lions’ selection race.
As a result, the Chelsea academy graduate must now move to a club where he can play consistently.
Atlético opens the door
According to a report from The Peoples Person, Gallagher recently held talks with Simeone to discuss his situation. Following that conversation, it is claimed that Atlético will now let him leave in January.
On Wednesday, Team conversation reported that United and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the frontrunners. With the battle lines drawn, the focus now shifts to which of the two clubs can prevail.
Wages the deciding factor
Dean Jones has suggested that one key factor will ultimately decide the race: Gallagher’s wages.
Via Team conversationhe explained:
“Conor Gallagher’s potential to move on loan could depend on how much Atlético Madrid are willing to continue paying for his wages.”
“However, sources indicate that the player’s high wages mean a move to another loan will not be easy.”
“Gallagher earns up to £200,000 a week and whether that amount is subsidized could make a difference to whether he ends up back in the Premier League.”
It is therefore clear from these claims that if the Red Devils want to win the race, they will have to present Atlético with an irresistible proposal on how to handle its wages.
United’s midfield plan
Furthermore, according to Jones, INEOS want Gallagher this winter, and then they will secure a new top midfielder in the summer as they look to rebuild United’s engine room.
So Gallagher is INEOS’ main winter target, with Rúben Neves as a backup option if a deal falls through.
Ultimately, if Gallagher really is the priority, United have a clear path: solve the wage problem and seize the opportunity to bring him back to the Premier League.
Featured image Aitor Alcade via Getty Images
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