Man United receive boost in the race to sign £35m midfielder

Conor Gallagher’s debut season at Atletico Madrid was meant to mark a bold step in his career, yet as 2025 draws to a close, it has instead become a story of promise unfulfilled. The England international has admitted he is “not satisfied” with his lack of minutes under Diego Simeone, fuelling growing speculation over a January transfer to Manchester United .

When Atletico Madrid paid €40 million (£35m) to sign Gallagher from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, it was seen as a coup. A tireless, box-to-box midfielder with Premier League pedigree, Gallagher looked a perfect fit for Simeone’s pressing style. He made history early on, becoming the first Englishman in over a century to score for Atletico, quickly winning fans with his energy and relentless work rate.

However, as the 2024-25 season progressed, his influence began to wane. The former Crystal Palace loanee found himself rotating behind the likes of Koke, Pablo Barrios and Alex Baena, who seemed to align more naturally with Simeone’s rigid tactical demands. By the turn of 2025, Gallagher had played only 339 La Liga minutes and completed just one full match since September. For a player known for consistency and dynamism, it was an uncomfortable reality.

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Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, Gallagher was candid about his situation and his ambition to play more regularly. “I’m not satisfied. I don’t think anyone will be if they don’t play as much as they would like, but I will continue to work very hard to, whenever I have the opportunity, help the team and hopefully more opportunities will come to be a starter,” he said.

Despite rumours linking him with Manchester United , Gallagher insisted he remains loyal to Atletico Madrid and focused on earning his place. “I’m very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I said, I’m going to continue working to the maximum to play more minutes and be able to help the team.”

Gallagher’s words reflected both professionalism and frustration. He appreciates Simeone’s system but knows that consistent starts are essential for his growth, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has kept close contact with Gallagher, who remains determined to regain his spot in the national squad. “That’s one of my goals. I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what he needs from me and what I have to do to return to the team,” he admitted. “It seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point. But, as I said before, I will continue to do my best to get more minutes and, hopefully, return to the national team.”

With England’s midfield depth growing and competition fierce, Gallagher’s reduced role in Spain could prove costly. National team selection depends heavily on rhythm and form, two elements difficult to maintain from the bench.

Atletico Madrid now face a decision. Gallagher’s commitment and attitude have never been in doubt, yet his style may not perfectly fit Simeone’s controlled midfield balance. If opportunities do not increase in the coming weeks, a January move to Manchester United could serve all parties well. United, seeking energy and drive in their midfield, are monitoring his situation closely.

For Gallagher, the coming months will define the trajectory of his career. Whether he remains in Madrid to fight for a place or seeks a fresh challenge in Manchester, he knows time is running out to reclaim the momentum that once made him one of England’s brightest midfield prospects.