Conor Gallagher is reportedly open to leaving Atletico Madrid on loan in January, with Manchester United emerging as a strong possible destination. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the midfielder has grown increasingly unhappy with his lack of playing time in Spain, and a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards.
Manchester United are expected to strengthen their midfield in 2025 and have Gallagher on a shortlist that also includes Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and England youngster Elliot Anderson. Their prospects of securing Gallagher appear to have improved recently, as the 25-year-old is more willing to consider a mid-season switch.
United had shown interest in him toward the end of the summer transfer window but chose to revisit the situation in January. With INEOS now prioritising midfield reinforcements, Gallagher’s name has resurfaced at the top of their agenda.
Bailey explained to United in Focus that the former Chelsea star is “increasingly frustrated” at Atletico due to limited opportunities. Even though he has settled well into life in Madrid, Gallagher knows his chances of making England’s World Cup squad depend on getting consistent minutes — something he isn’t receiving under Diego Simeone. He also understands United’s interest, and the club is said to be a very attractive option for him.
While other teams are monitoring the situation, Manchester United will need to move quickly as the window approaches. Despite their recent uptick in form, the club believes they still need more depth in defensive midfield, and Gallagher is viewed as someone who could fill that gap.
Since joining Atletico from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, Gallagher has started only four matches across all competitions, scoring once in the Champions League. In La Liga, where Atletico remain unbeaten in 11 matches after an opening-day loss to Espanyol, he has been named in the starting lineup just twice.
Gallagher’s last appearance for England came in June, when Thomas Tuchel selected him for a 3–1 friendly defeat to Senegal. He has not been included in Gareth Southgate’s last three squads, and his most recent competitive outing for the national team dates back to November of last year. The midfielder is tied to Atletico until June 2029, but with playing time scarce, a temporary move in January now looks increasingly likely.
