Conor Gallagher was linked with Manchester United this summer, but he ended up staying at Atletico Madrid.
The Englishman moved to the Metropolitano Stadium from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign.
The Red Devils were reportedly offered the chance to bring him back to the Premier League on transfer deadline day this summer, but opted against it.
However, it now appears that United have had a change of heart as they look to resolve their midfield conundrum at the turn of the year.
Amorim eyeing Gallagher
According to a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person, Ruben Amorim has sanctioned a move for the English midfielder in January.
The midfield is currently a weak spot in the Portuguese head coach’s team. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have formed a two-man midfield pivot this season, and United are expected to add more options for the position in January.
INEOS’ strategy of adding Premier League experience to the attack this summer has already paid dividends, with both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo settling in well. They are now looking to repeat the trick with Gallagher, who is reportedly keen to return to England.
The Red Devils could even have the chance to sign him for a reduced fee in the winter transfer window.
Gallagher no longer indispensable at Atletico Madrid
According to AS, Gallagher could be available for just €40m in January. The Englishman has struggled to impress this season, and his situation at Atletico Madrid remains fragile.
The 25 year old has registered 12 appearances across competitions this campaign, but only four of them have been starts. He has clocked just 272 minutes of first-team action in the league, adding to speculation regarding his future.
United are attentive to the developments at the Metropolitano Stadium and could be tempted to offer Gallagher a lifeline in January. The Englishman was a hit at Stamford Bridge and has all the attributes to be an upgrade on Casemiro in the starting XI.
Gallagher is under contract until 2029 and is reportedly wanted by Crystal Palace as well. He enjoyed a very fruitful loan spell at Selhurst Park earlier in his career, and the Eagles are eager to have him back.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils’ pursuit of the former Chelsea man makes sense amid the uncertainties surrounding Kobbie Mainoo’s future and Manuel Ugarte’s prolonged struggles at Old Trafford.
Gallagher could even hit the ground running with a return to the Premier League in January, which would aid in Amorim’s pursuit of a top-four finish this season.
Featured image Aitor Alcade via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
