Aston Villa’s January transfer window is heating up, and the name on everyone’s lips is Conor Gallagher. The England international, currently plying his trade at Atletico Madrid, has become the centerpiece of a transfer tug-of-war that could reshape Villa’s midfield and potentially impact the Premier League title race. As of January 9, 2026, Villa are actively pursuing a deal to bring the former Chelsea captain back to England, but the road ahead is anything but straightforward.
Unai Emery, Villa’s ambitious manager, has made no secret of his admiration for Gallagher. He’s been a fan since the midfielder’s days at Chelsea, and with Villa looking to add energy and versatility to their engine room, Gallagher fits the bill perfectly. Emery’s vision is clear: “The club is working on it. The people with this responsibility are trying to add information about possibilities. In case we can improve the squad, we will do it. In case someone is leaving as well, we are alert for it.”
Villa’s midfield needs have become more urgent after Harvey Elliott’s loan from Liverpool failed to deliver the expected impact. The club has decided not to trigger Elliott’s buy option, and there’s talk that his loan could be cut short, with MLS side Charlotte reportedly interested in the England U21 international. With Villa’s sights set firmly on Champions League qualification and perhaps even a title challenge, reinforcements are a must. Alysson from Gremio has already joined, and teenager Brian Madjo from Metz is on his way as one for the future. But it’s Gallagher who could be the game-changer.
Gallagher’s journey since leaving Chelsea in the summer of 2024 has been eventful. Signed by Atletico Madrid for €42 million in a deal that saw Joao Felix move to Stamford Bridge, Gallagher has made 51 La Liga appearances and featured in every game for Diego Simeone’s side this season. However, most of his league outings have come from the bench, and despite his professionalism and positive attitude, he’s yet to nail down a regular starting spot. As one report put it, “Given his high salary and significant fee, the fact Gallagher has not made a starting spot his own has made him a candidate for a sale at Atletico Madrid.”
Still, Gallagher remains highly valued by Simeone, who is renowned for his demanding approach. Gallagher himself has spoken warmly about his Spanish experience: “It was amazing, a really good experience. It was a really warm welcome, and it made me feel at home straight away. So, it was really nice for me and all the other signings.” On working with Simeone, he added, “He wants everyone to work as hard as possible, to prepare for each game and then win. And I think that’s perfect for me, he seems like a really good guy, and of course, he’s an amazing manager. He is one of the best managers in the world, I already love how he is, with me and with the team. I’m looking forward to working with him for years to come.”
But football is a business, and with Atletico Madrid seeking to refresh their squad—particularly hunting for a new left winger—the door is ajar for Gallagher’s departure. The Spanish club’s stance is firm: they want a permanent sale, not a loan with an obligation to buy. Reports indicate they’re seeking around €30-35 million (£35 million) for the England international. Villa, meanwhile, would prefer an initial loan with an obligation to buy in the summer, a structure that would help them manage their Premier League squad registration (PSR) and financial rules. The current PSR regulations are tight, and Villa are among the clubs needing to keep spending in check for the 2025-26 season. Next year’s expected regulatory changes may bring more flexibility, but for now, the purse strings are drawn tight.
This financial chess match could prove decisive. If Atletico stand firm on demanding an immediate permanent sale and Villa can’t make the numbers work without a loan structure, the deal could be delayed or even fall through. There’s even talk that Villa may need to offload a player first to balance the books. Gallagher, reportedly earning around £150,000 per week in Spain, would become the second-highest earner at Villa Park if he returns, and he may have to consider a wage cut to make the move happen.
Despite these complications, the allure of a Premier League return is strong for Gallagher. Regular playing time in England could help him force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup in the USA. Since Tuchel’s arrival, Gallagher has seen his national team minutes dwindle, featuring only in England’s 3-1 defeat to Senegal, where he played 59 minutes. With Elliot Anderson now emerging as a key midfield option for England, Gallagher knows he needs to be front and center to stay in the international frame.
Manchester United have also shown interest in Gallagher in the past, but their pursuit has fizzled out following the exit of manager Ruben Amorim. United previously proposed a loan deal, only to see Atletico reject it outright—an echo of Villa’s current predicament. As it stands, the ball is very much in Villa’s court, and the next few weeks promise plenty of intrigue.
Villa’s ambitions for the season remain lofty. Despite a recent 4-1 thrashing by Arsenal at the Emirates, the club is still in the title race, trailing the Gunners by six points as of early January. They reached the FA Cup semi-finals last year, losing to eventual winners Crystal Palace, and are among the favorites to win the Europa League this season. Emery knows that fresh legs and new ideas could be the difference between silverware and near-misses.
Gallagher’s Premier League pedigree is beyond doubt. The Chelsea academy product has racked up 136 appearances for Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and West Bromwich Albion, earning 22 caps for England along the way. His ability to play across the midfield, his energy, and his experience in high-pressure environments make him an ideal fit for Emery’s high-octane style.
So, what’s next? Negotiations are ongoing, and both sides have cards to play. Villa are keen, Gallagher is interested, and Atletico are open to a sale—but only on their terms. If Villa can find a way to satisfy Atletico’s financial demands without breaching PSR rules, Gallagher could be back in claret and blue before the window closes. If not, the saga may drag on, with all parties left to ponder what might have been.
For now, Villa fans and Premier League watchers alike will have to wait and see if this high-stakes transfer drama ends in celebration or frustration. One thing’s for certain: Conor Gallagher’s future remains one of the hottest topics of this January window.
