Atletico Madrid have strengthened their midfield this summer with the signing of talented English midfielder Conor Gallagher. At just 24, Gallagher has already shown his quality in the Premier League and with the English national team, which has earned him a move to Atletico Madrid. Formed in the Chelsea youth ranks, Gallagher has had a career full of loan spells.
Loans to succeed... away from Chelsea
After several successful loan spells at teams such as West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace , Gallagher returned to Chelsea for the 2022-2023 season. There he established himself as an important piece in the scheme of Thomas Tuchel and later Graham Potter . Although Chelsea was going through a difficult period, Gallagher managed to shine with his dynamic and versatile play in the midfield.
These loans helped him mature and perfect his playing style, standing out for his inexhaustible energy, ability to press and getting into the box. His box-to-box style of play has made his value skyrocket in recent years. According to Transfermarket , his current value is 50 million euros , which is on par with very few players.
Conor Gallagher wants to win over Simeone and be a starter
Finally, during the summer, Atlético de Madrid took the lead in the race for his signing after being on the verge of leaving at one point. Coach Diego Pablo Simeone, known for his system based on intensity, has seen in Gallagher the ideal player to strengthen his midfield . The arrival of the Englishman brings great versatility, as he can play both as a pure central midfielder, helping in recovering the ball, and in more offensive roles close to the area.
The challenge for Gallagher now is clear: to establish himself as a starter in a team that, over the years, has featured spectacular midfielders. Competition from Koke, Rodrigo de Paul, or Pablo Barrios will be tough, but the Englishman is confident of earning a place in the starting eleven . His ability to press high and contribute both in defense and attack fits perfectly into the style of play that Simeone is looking for.
The 2024-2025 season will be crucial for Gallagher , who will not only seek to adapt to Spanish football, but also to prove that he can be a key player. If he manages to establish himself as a starter, his signing could represent a leap in quality in the Rojiblanco midfield. It would help allow Atlético de Madrid to once again fight for titles in both La Liga and European competitions.
The motivation of a new challenge and the support of an ambitious club will lead him to give his best. Conor Gallagher faces this new stage with the hope of becoming one of the pillars of Simeone's project. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the young Englishman, whose potential could grant him a bright future in Spanish football.