The world of football transfers is a constant game of whispers, negotiations, and strategic moves. As the current season moves along, clubs are already starting to think about the next opportunity to strengthen their teams: the January transfer window.
For Tottenham Hotspur, one name that has been linked with the club for a while now is Conor Gallagher. The catch is that he doesn’t currently play in the Premier League; he’s with Atlético Madrid in Spain. The story of Tottenham’s interest in him is a perfect example of how complicated and often frustrating the transfer market can be.
This isn’t a new rumor. Right at the end of the summer transfer window, there were reports in the Spanish press about Tottenham’s curiosity.
The story went that Spurs were preparing to make an approach to Atlético Madrid to ask about the midfielder’s availability. A couple of days later, it was suggested that Tottenham had a specific price in mind, something around €40 million.
They saw that as a fair value for the player. However, as the window slammed shut, no official offer was ever made. Gallagher remained an Atlético Madrid player, and the speculation quieted down.
Now, with January on the horizon, the whispers have started again. Reports from England have once again named Tottenham as a club that might try to sign the 25-year-old.
But a fresh report from a major Spanish newspaper has provided a crucial update that might change everything. The story begins by looking at Gallagher’s situation in Madrid.
It seems that he hasn’t quite become a perfect fit for manager Diego Simeone’s style of play. So far this season, he has only been in the starting lineup twice. For a player of his talent and age, sitting on the bench regularly is not ideal.
This is especially important for Gallagher because he is an England international. With the next World Cup coming up, every player hoping to represent their country needs to be playing regular, high-level football.
A limited role at his club could seriously harm his chances of making the England squad. He is surely aware of this, and it might make him open to a move in January if it means more playing time.
From the outside, it looks like a transfer could benefit all parties: the player gets to play, and Atlético could get a good fee for a player who isn’t a central figure in their plans.
However, the Spanish report throws a massive bucket of cold water on this idea. While it acknowledges that Tottenham are thinking about a move, it reveals Atlético Madrid’s current stance.
Despite not using him as a regular starter, the club’s official plan is to keep hold of Conor Gallagher. They apparently see him as an important part of their squad.
But here is the key part: the report states that they would only consider letting him leave for what they call a “huge amount.” That amount is specified as being over €60 million.
This price tag is the point where the deal likely falls apart. From Tottenham’s perspective, paying over €60 million for a player who isn’t a regular starter for his current club feels completely unrealistic.
It’s a price you pay for a guaranteed superstar, not for a talented player who needs a fresh start. The €40 million that Tottenham were reportedly considering in the summer already seemed like a significant investment. A jump to €60 million is simply too high.
Therefore, the most probable outcome is that Tottenham will walk away from any deal unless the situation changes dramatically. They are unlikely to get into a bidding war for a player at that inflated price.
The club’s management is known for being sensible with their money, and this feels like a fee that doesn’t make good business sense.
So, while Conor Gallagher remains an interesting player who might fit well at Tottenham, the financial demands seem designed to end the conversation before it even properly begins. For now, it appears this is one transfer rumor that is destined to stay just that—a rumor.
