The future of Conor Gallagher at Atletico Madrid is uncertain, as the England international battles for a consistent starting position. The 25-year-old is eager to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer, but it will be challenging for him to achieve that without a defined role on the pitch.
Gallagher was among the players potentially up for sale during the summer transfer window, with Atletico setting a €40 million price tag that no club was willing to meet. Even after Manchester United submitted a late loan proposal on transfer deadline day, Gallagher ultimately stayed in Madrid.
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Atletico Madrid Reduces Asking Price
Image via Aitor Alcalde / Getty Images
Recently, Gallagher revealed he is unhappy with his current role at Atletico. He has only started seven of the 23 matches this season, although he has participated in them all. According to RadioMarca, Atletico is reportedly open to negotiating at €30 million during the January transfer window, which is a significant reduction from the fee they paid for him 18 months ago. Gallagher’s contract extends until 2029.
Gallagher’s Agent Observed in Manchester
As reported by Indykaila, Gallagher’s agent has been seen heading to Manchester. While it’s unclear whether this visit pertains to Manchester United, Gallagher has consistently been linked with the club through various rumors.
A significant challenge for Gallagher at Atletico Madrid stems from Diego Simeone’s preferred formation. He has found it difficult to perform effectively in the midfield duo common in a 4-4-2 setup, and he doesn’t excel on the flanks either. When Simeone has occasionally deployed a three-man midfield, Gallagher appears more comfortable, but these situations are infrequent.