Tottenham Swoops In to Steal Ex-Chelsea Star from Premier League Rivals
Tottenham Hotspur have allegedly outmaneuvered Aston Villa in securing the services of Atlético Madrid's central midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The former Chelsea youth product relocated to Spain a year and a half ago and quickly integrated into the team setup. This determined midfielder, dubbed "The Pitbull," seemed to perfectly represent Diego Simeone's philosophy, charging across the field with relentless energy that matched the club's red and white colors.
Simeone promptly repositioned Gallagher in an advanced role and was compensated with two strikes in his opening three La Liga appearances. Nevertheless, the England squad member's adaptability eventually led him to retreat into a more defensive position and move out to the left flank. Gallagher, whether justly or not, became viewed as versatile but not specialized, progressively finding himself on the bench prepared to enter and fill any position.
Gallagher has only begun four of Atlético's 19 domestic matches this campaign, and this shortage of game time—especially during a World Cup season—sparked some restlessness.
Aston Villa were originally considered the frontrunner for the 25-year-old's services. Sky Sports News announced on Saturday that Unai Emery's team were investigating a half-year loan arrangement with a purchase option to strengthen a midfield department that Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott has dramatically struggled to penetrate.
Then came Tottenham.
Spurs' desperate need for midfield reinforcements was triggered by the seriousness of Rodrigo Bentancur's hamstring problem. The Uruguayan player was forced off during the 3–2 loss to Bournemouth this month with a condition requiring surgical intervention, keeping the midfielder out for at least three months.
Tottenham moved swiftly, reaching a deal valued at €40 million (£34.7 million, $46.7 million) with Atlético for Gallagher before Villa could make similar progress, according to The Times.
Gallagher is anticipated to complete the transfer on Tuesday following his flight to London for medical examinations. While Villa offered no assurances of financial returns, Atlético are positioned to recover the £35 million they invested to acquire Gallagher from Chelsea.
An unusual display of rapid transfer business from Spurs might not conclude with England's World Cup candidate.
Mathys Tel 'Open' to Tottenham Exit Six Months After Signing
Mathys Tel 'Open' to Tottenham Exit Six Months After Signing
Tottenham's full purchase of Mathys Tel always appeared questionable. The French striker provided minimal contribution during his six-month temporary stint in the latter portion of last season to indicate he merited the £45 million release clause embedded in the deal with Bayern Munich.
Spurs evidently concurred, negotiating with the German champions to reduce the fee to £30 million for his permanent transfer during the summer. The past six months have again provided scant proof that Tel justified even that decreased investment.
The discontent seems reciprocal. Tel has informed the club of his desire for a temporary departure this winter to obtain additional playing opportunities, according to The Guardian. Rising Ligue 1 side Paris FC have been mentioned as a possible destination, while Turkish clubs Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are also reportedly interested.
If Tel departs, Spurs would certainly need to sign at least one additional attacker, given that Brennan Johnson has already transferred to Crystal Palace. The same source mentions RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Juventus star Kenan Yıldz as potential acquisitions, though both would require substantial fees approaching nine figures.