The latest transfer news around Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher suggests he could soon be returning to the Premier League.
Former Chelsea man Conor Gallagher could be set for a Premier League return in January, with the 22-cap England international eyeing a recall ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Gallagher left Stamford Bridge last summer in search of a new challenge.
But his move has not gone entirely smoothly, having fallen out of favour in Madrid.
He has slipped out of the England squad, and finds himself on the fringes of Atletico manager Diego Simeone’s plans.
With Gallagher reduced to substitute appearances in Atletico’s last seven La Liga fixtures, he’s grown increasingly frustrated by a lack of minutes.
In a recent interview, Gallagher said: “I don’t think anyone is content if they’re not playing as much as they’d like.
“I’ll keep working very hard to help the team whenever I have the chance. Hopefully more opportunities to be a starter will come.
“I’m very happy here, but I want to have a bigger role. I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what I need to do to return to the team.
“And it seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point.”
With Tuchel in charge of England, Gallagher knows his chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad depend heavily on consistent game time.
As things stand, that looks unlikely in Madrid, meaning Premier League clubs are now keen to bring him home.
Conor Gallagher Transfer News Suggests Tottenham Lead The Race
As it stands, Tottenham look to be the most likely destination for Conor Gallagher.
Spurs have been exposed in midfield over recent weeks, with this 4-1 North London Derby defeat to rivals Arsenal highlighting their vulnerability.
That result has seen the next Tottenham manager odds shrink, with former boss Mauricio Pochettino linked with a shock return.
🗣️ "I'd have him at Tottenham [Hotspur]"
Could Conor Gallagher return to the Premier League? #SkySportsFC pic.twitter.com/w0lKEOK8XM
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 25, 2025
Along with calls for Thomas Frank to go, there has been sharp criticism of both Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur’s lack of mobility and defensive coverage – a problem Gallagher would soon solve.
Known for his energy, pressing intensity and ball-carrying ability, Gallagher suits Thomas Frank’s needs.
The challenge will be in negotiating a fee, with Atletico in no need to sell a player they only signed last summer.
Numerous Club Monitoring Conor Gallagher Transfer Situation
While Spurs are the front-runners, Gallagher won’t be short of options if Atletico are open to offers.
West Ham retain a strong interest as Nuno Esprito Santo looks to rebuild his side’s midfield.
However, any January move from the Hammers would almost certainly need to be a loan, given the club’s financial position.
🚨🏴 JUST IN: Premier League clubs are expected to make an attempt for Conor Gallagher in January if Atletico Madrid open the door to a move.

Any move will almost certainly depend on whether a Premier League club is willing to buy the midfielder.The only clubs from Premier… pic.twitter.com/KjynmaHYa8
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) November 24, 2025
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, could also be a possibility.
Gallagher enjoyed a successful loan spell at Selhurst Park in 2021-22, and the Eagles would certainly love to bring him back.
But like West Ham, they would struggle to afford him without a major sale.
The most likely way Palace could bring in Gallagher would be through letting defender Marc Guéhi.
Real Madrid are thought to be back in for Guehi after his Liverpool move collapsed in August.
But with Palace unlikely to want to weaken their defence mid-season, there would need to be a lot of variables lined up for that to happen.
Elsewhere, Leeds United have also been linked. But Gallagher may be reluctant to join a side battling relegation, making a move tricky.
And Newcastle United are also thought to be keen. However, their interest is dependent on failing to secure Scott McTominay from Napoli.
Premier League Interest Widespread As Gallagher Eyes World Cup
According to reports, almost every Premier League team is monitoring Gallagher’s situation.
Aside from Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City and former club Chelsea, virtually everyone has expressed interest.
Having enquired late in the summer window, Manchester United could also re-enter the race next summer.
Should Man Utd sign Conor Gallagher? 👀#MUFC #ManUtd pic.twitter.com/AQxM745JET
— DR Sports (@drsportsmedia) November 15, 2025
But with a World Cup spot at stake and Gallagher in need of minutes, he’ll likely need a January move.
As a result, Tottenham remain the favourites to land the England man in the upcoming winter window.
