Newcastle United receive major boost as Atletico Madrid make Conor Gallagher decision
Newcastle are understood to be interested in Conor Gallagher and have received a major boost from Atletico Madrid.
Newcastle United have received a boost in their bid to sign Conor Gallagher, with the player holding talks with Atletico Madrid to discuss leaving the club, according to reports.
The England international joined the 11-time Spanish champions from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and has made 75 appearances for the club so far across all competitions. However, only 23 of his 50 La Liga outings have come from the start, including just four this campaign. Gallagher’s situation in Madrid is only getting worse as he’s fallen behind Johnny Cardoso in the midfield pecking order. According to TEAMtalk, the former Chelsea man has now held talks with Diego Simeone and the Atletico hierarchy during the winter break regarding his future at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico ready to part ways with Conor Gallagher
TEAMtalk’s report states that Simeone would like to keep hold of Gallagher, but that he accepts the player’s 2026 World Cup ambitions. The Argentine is happy to let Gallagher leave in order to boost his chances of making the England squad, as long as Atletico’s financial demands are met.
“Atletico acknowledge they can’t give Conor the football he wants and deserves,” a TEAMtalk source said. “That is the key issue, and they know he is too good to sit on the bench and they don’t want to wreck his chances of going to the World Cup.”
Newcastle United considering Conor Gallagher approach
Manchester United were heavily linked with Gallagher at the start of the season, and it’s understood the Red Devils retain an interest. However, they now appear to be joined by Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan, who are all thought to be ‘keeping an eye on the situation’. One major sticking point to any potential deal would be the fact that Atletico will look for a permanent sale, while the player’s camp believes a loan with option is more realistic in January.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
What’s more, Gallagher’s move is motivated by a desire for more regular starting minutes. Should he join Newcastle, the 25-year-old would face fierce competition for a place in Eddie Howe’s line-up, with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton forming one of the Premier League’s most effective midfield trios - while the likes of Lewis Miley and Joe Willock have covered effectively when required. Nevertheless, someone of Gallagher’s hard-working and combative nature could help unlock Guimaraes and Tonali in more forward areas, offering a major boost to a Newcastle side that has struggled in the final third at times this season.
Your next Newcastle United read: Alan Shearer urges Newcastle to correct one 'illegal' flaw ASAP