Tottenham Hotspur may finally be preparing to fix what many supporters still view as one of the club’s biggest transfer mistakes. Conor Gallagher, a player Spurs tried and failed to sign before he left Chelsea, could now be on his way to North London after Atletico Madrid opened the door for his exit.
The situation has shifted quickly, and with Tottenham searching for solutions in midfield, this January window could offer them a second chance they cannot afford to waste.
Gallagher’s move to Spain surprised many last summer, yet he has adapted well to LaLiga and delivered steady performances for Atletico. Even so, his time in Madrid seems to be reaching an early end.
Reports in Spain suggest that Atletico have now informed Gallagher that he is not part of their long-term plans, and that has naturally reignited Tottenham’s interest. Spurs have been monitoring him closely, especially with their midfield struggling for balance and intensity under Thomas Frank this season.
Tottenham’s midfield issues have been obvious. The partnership between Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur has lacked the mobility and energy required in the Premier League.
Both players have technical quality, but neither offers the kind of box-to-box presence that can lift the entire team. Spurs often look flat in the centre of the pitch, unable to control matches against high-intensity opponents.
It has left supporters frustrated and has prompted the club to look for a player who can bring urgency, strength, and personality back into the heart of the team.
Gallagher fits that profile perfectly. His game is built on relentless work, smart movement, and a competitive edge that Tottenham have been missing for far too long.
Former scout Bryan King recently explained that Atletico have already told the midfielder he is free to leave, and he believes Spurs would be foolish not to act. Speaking to Tottenham News, he said Spurs should have signed Gallagher the moment he left Chelsea and described that failure as the club’s “biggest mistake” in recent years.
Now that the door is open again, he expects the club to push for a loan move in January, comparing it to the temporary deal that took Jack Grealish to Everton. King even suggested that Tottenham should be prepared to pay around £30 million if Atletico agree to a permanent option.
For Tottenham, the timing may be perfect. James Maddison is expected to return from injury early in the new year, and King pointed out that Gallagher and Maddison have always linked well when playing for England.
A midfield triangle built around those two players could bring creativity, energy, and the urgency that has been missing from the squad. Gallagher’s desire to return to England ahead of next year’s World Cup also strengthens Tottenham’s chances of sealing the deal.
A player with international ambitions needs regular football in a top league, and Spurs could offer him exactly that.
Tottenham do have promising young midfielders Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr but Thomas Frank still appears hesitant to rely on them consistently.
All three have shown promise, but Spurs are in a difficult season and need players who are already battle-tested. Gallagher is still young, but he has Premier League experience, a clear identity as a player, and a reputation for giving everything in every match. Bringing him into the starting lineup would immediately raise the level of intensity and competition within the squad.
Spurs have been too soft this season, too easy to overwhelm, and too often second-best in physical battles. Gallagher’s arrival would help change that.
His ability to press, tackle, and drive forward with the ball would allow Tottenham to play with greater aggression, and pairing him with someone like Palhinha could completely reshape the team’s approach. Instead of being reactive and slow, Spurs could become more proactive and brave, which is exactly what the fans have been demanding.
January windows are often unpredictable, but this opportunity feels different. Tottenham missed out on Gallagher once and have paid the price by struggling through midfield issues that could have been avoided.
Now, with Atletico showing a clear willingness to let him go, Spurs have a chance to correct the past and add a player who could genuinely change their season.
If they move quickly, Gallagher could become far more than a short-term fix. He could become the heartbeat of Tottenham’s midfield and the kind of signing that pushes the club closer to where they want to be not just this winter, but well beyond it.
