One month out from what is expected to be another memorable January transfer window, numerous speculative reports are already linking the Premier League elite with a plethora of continental names.
Unsurprisingly, the media cash cow that is Manchester United has seen a who’s who list of potential stars surface on the cusp of joining Ruben Amorim’s ambitious project.
It is common knowledge that the former Sporting chief desires several additions to bolster his squad, with both wing-backs and midfielders deemed priorities.
A trio of domestic stars in Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have all been earmarked as ideal candidates for the engine room. Still, each will command a substantial fee and will prove troublesome to lure mid-season.
However, in Conor Gallagher, the 20-time English champions have considered a cost-friendly option who could support the second half of the campaign while adding an assured presence in midfield.
Would Conor Gallagher provide the profile Ruben Amorim needs for Manchester United?
As we are all too aware, the summer deadline-day offers various deals and surprising outcomes across the board.
United enjoyed a promising window and, despite concluding their incomings in advance, saw a late enquiry about the possibility of a loan deal for Gallagher rebuffed by Atletico Madrid.
It is crucial to note that, contrary to suggestions elsewhere, our Spanish sources confirmed that Atleti were not willing to entertain any loan. Additionally, they were not looking to sell, but would have considered a permanent move with a starting point of €40 million.
Although some Reds have questioned his suitability, the 25-year-old possesses a notable engine and a commendable distribution catalogue. Furthermore, with the required fee having fallen by €10m since summer, the allure has increased.
Experience counts, and the former Chelsea man has made 69 appearances under Diego Simeone. Although his frustration with a reduced role is evident, back-to-back starts against Inter and Real Oviedo have produced promise.
| Conor Gallagher output via SofaScore | vs Inter [59 minutes played] | vs Real Oviedo [90 minutes played] |
| Touches | 36 | 67 |
| Passes (accurate) | 25 (23) | 47 (44) |
| Key passes | 0 | 1 |
| Tackles (won) | 1 (1) | 2 (1) |
| Blocked shots | 1 | 0 |
| Recoveries | 3 | 3 |
| Ground duels (won) | 9 (4) | 8 (2) |
I would tend to consider every factor in a potential move for Gallagher pragmatically, rather than jumping headfirst into an irrational debate.
As we have stated for some time, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell desire two midfield arrivals, with Anderson considered the player who could transform this United side for a decade.
But the success of any top-tier club relies on options throughout the squad, and the one-time Blues captain is considered a player who can add ability when required and character in the dressing room.
It goes without saying that 25-year-old Premier League-proven athletes for as little as £26m are far and few between, and even if a move were to fail, a sale would almost certainly recoup the fee paid.
Our sources indicate that, while they are unaware of any movement in the North West, Atleti officials are now more willing to speak than they once were, with the player becoming increasingly vocal internally.
We’re advised that ‘much has changed at Metropolitano Stadium in recent months‘, and that ‘if Manchester United offered €30 million in January, it is likely that Atletico will sell him.’
When factoring in his portfolio of work at the heart of La Liga, it’s easy to see why Amorim and Co. are contemplating a mid-season approach to aid an assault on the European places.
| Conor Gallagher La Liga output 24-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile |
| Ball recoveries | 5.90 | 90 |
| Dribblers challenged | 2.70 | 90 |
| Tackles won | 1.76 | 89 |
| Fouls drawn | 2.15 | 86 |
| Tackles + Interceptions | 3.58 | 83 |
| Goals + Assists | 0.33 | 81 |
| Pass completion % (short) | 91.8% | 79 |
Statistics via Fbref.com.
Given his obvious playing abilities and leadership skills earned in London and Madrid, Gallagher represents a shrewd deal for a football club determined to remodel its internal culture.
Although he would not supply the desired star of an Anderson or a Wharton, the Epsom man is vastly experienced and yet to knock on the door of his prime years.
With 136 Premier League appearances to his name, alongside ambitions of adding to his 22 English caps under Thomas Tuchel, a £26m deal may prove too challenging to ignore at the Theatre of Dreams.
How would you feel about adding a player of this calibre to Amorim’s squad? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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2 responses to “Conor Gallagher deal may be too good to ignore for Manchester United”
I think he would be a good deal plus have Joao Gomes with him would be a good partnership but we will wait and see
It’s all about squad progression and having adequate options in all positions. I think Gallagher would supply that and then some. But, like you said, let’s wait and see.