English midfielder Conor Gallagher has spoken openly about his situation at Atletico Madrid, admitting he is happy at the club but wants more consistent playing time, comments that have reignited speculation about a possible return to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old joined Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and has since become part of manager Diego Simeone’s deep midfield rotation.
His energy and pressing style have made him a valuable player for the team, but he has struggled to cement a starting role in the team under Simeone.
Despite making some important appearances in both La Liga and the Champions League this season, Gallagher has only appeared in 15 games and played just 495 minutes of football in the league.
Will Conor Gallagher join Man United?
Spanish sources have described him as “a player Simeone trusts, but not indispensable”, suggesting that although his work rate and style of play are highly praised, his place in the pecking order is far from secure.
“I’m happy, but of course I want to play as much as I can.” As reported by the Mirror, the England international told Sky Sports:
“Every footballer wants to be on the pitch for 90 minutes every game. Of course I’m at a world-class club and there are a lot of great players.
“The most important thing is how the team played and the results we got. At the moment, things are going very well for us.”
Transfer official Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Manchester United are one of the clubs monitoring Gallagher’s situation closely.
United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen to strengthen his midfield next year, and Gallagher’s combination of work rate and leadership appeals to the Portuguese manager.
Red Devils are looking to sign a new midfielder
In addition to Gallagher, United have also scouted Carlos Baleva (Brighton), Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), all young midfielders with high-energy profiles suited to Amorim’s attacking system.
Despite talk of a move, Gallagher appears to be focused on the present. Atlético Madrid are having a good season and the midfielder continues to commit to contributing whenever required.
Still, with the January deadline approaching and a shake-up of Man United’s midfield looming, speculation about Gallagher’s future is unlikely to die down.
If his playing time does not increase in the second half of the season, a summer move, and possibly a return to England, could become a realistic possibility.
Man United have been suggested as a realistic option to sign a ‘typical Premier League number six’
