Aston Villa have entered the hunt for Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, and this one feels different.
Multiple sources, including talkSPORT and journalist Ben Jacobs, confirm that Unai Emery's side are now actively exploring a deal to bring the 25-year-old back to the Premier League. The Spanish club are reportedly willing to let him go — provided their valuation of around €40-50 million is met.
A World Cup dream driving the move
Here's what's interesting. Gallagher isn't unhappy at the Metropolitano. Diego Simeone clearly rates him — the Argentine was caught going absolutely berserk on the touchline when Gallagher threw himself into two consecutive tackles during the closing stages of a win over Athletic Bilbao earlier this season.
But here's the problem: starts have been hard to come by. Just four La Liga starts this campaign for a player who needs regular football. And with Thomas Tuchel now at the England helm ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Gallagher's representatives know the maths don't add up if he's stuck on the bench.
A source close to the situation told TeamTalk: "Atlético acknowledge they can't give Conor the football he wants and deserves. They know he is too good to sit on the bench and they don't want to wreck his chances of going to the World Cup."
Villa making serious moves
Aston Villa aren't messing about. According to multiple reports, Emery has been a long-term admirer of the England international, and the club have launched what's being described as a "definitive move."
There's a delicious irony here. Back in summer 2024, when Chelsea were pushing Gallagher out the door, Villa actually had a larger bid accepted than Atlético. Gallagher turned them down. He chose Madrid over Birmingham.
But circumstances change. Villa are now genuine title contenders — sitting pretty after an 11-match winning streak that only ended at Chelsea last month. For a player desperate for game time ahead of a World Cup, that's a different proposition entirely.
Competition is fierce
Villa aren't alone, mind. Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham have all been sounded out about the midfielder's availability, per TEAMtalk. United were reportedly leading the race as recently as last week.
But there are complications. Any deal would need to be permanent — Atlético won't consider loans. And Gallagher, currently on around £200,000 per week in Madrid, might need to take a pay cut. PSR concerns at Villa could also play a role in the structure of any transfer.
Still, the fundamental question remains: would Gallagher, a Chelsea lad through and through, really turn down Villa twice?
At 25, with a World Cup on the horizon and his career at a crossroads, he might not have that luxury anymore.
More to follow.
