Tottenham Hotspur are close to completing the signing of Conor Gallagher, but it is becoming increasingly clear that he will not be the final midfield addition the club are planning.
While the move for the England international represents a major step in strengthening the squad, Spurs have already decided that another type of midfielder is still missing and remains a priority for the months ahead.
The north London club moved quickly and decisively to secure Gallagher, stepping in late to beat Aston Villa to his signature. A deal worth around £35 million was agreed with Atletico Madrid, bringing the 25-year-old back to the Premier League just 18 months after he left England for Spain. It was a move driven by necessity as much as ambition, with Tottenham suddenly short of options in the centre of the pitch.
Rodrigo Bentancur’s situation has been a huge blow. The Uruguayan midfielder is expected to be sidelined for around three months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.
At the same time, young talent Lucas Bergvall is struggling with a knock, while Pape Matar Sarr is away on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. These absences have left Thomas Frank stretched thin in one of the most important areas of the team.
With that context, Gallagher’s arrival could not be better timed. At present, only Joao Palhinha and Archie Gray are fully fit and available, which underlines how quickly Gallagher may be thrown into action.
If registered in time, there is a strong chance he could go straight into the starting eleven for the upcoming clash with West Ham United. Frank is believed to have played a key role in convincing Gallagher to choose Tottenham, offering him the promise of regular football and a central role in the team.
Gallagher fits Tottenham’s immediate needs perfectly. Despite limited minutes at Atletico Madrid in recent weeks, he arrives with Premier League experience, strong leadership qualities, and a tireless work ethic.
He brings energy, aggression, and a willingness to press high up the pitch, traits that have often been missing during Spurs’ recent winless run. The hope inside the club is that he can also chip in with goals and assists, something Tottenham have badly lacked in recent matches.
Even so, those within the club believe Gallagher alone will not solve every midfield issue. While he adds drive and intensity, Spurs are still missing a different kind of presence in the centre of the pitch.
The recruitment team have identified the need for what is often described as a “midfield connector,” a player who can sit deeper, control the tempo, and link defence with attack through intelligent passing.
This type of player would be expected to complement Palhinha’s defensive strength, offering creativity and calmness on the ball rather than pure physicality. Tottenham are currently weighing up whether such a signing is realistic before the February deadline or whether it would be wiser to wait until the summer to secure the right profile.
Some of the players admired in this role, including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, are seen as unlikely to move during the January window.
If Spurs do eventually land this type of midfielder, it will be interesting to see how Frank balances his options. With players like James Maddison and Xavi Simons already competing for more advanced roles, adding a deep-lying playmaker could give Tottenham far more flexibility and control in matches, especially against teams that sit deep and frustrate them.
Gallagher is not the only new face expected at the club. Tottenham are also close to finalising a deal for Brazilian left-back Souza, who is due to undergo a medical after an agreement was reached with Santos.
The 19-year-old is seen as a player for the future but could also provide much-needed depth during a demanding second half of the season.
All signs point towards a busy January for Spurs. With results failing to meet expectations and pressure building on Thomas Frank, the club know they must act decisively. Gallagher’s arrival is an important first step, but it also feels like part of a bigger plan as Tottenham look to reshape their midfield and restore balance, energy, and belief to their season.
