Tottenham Hotspur Reportedly Nearing Deal for Conor Gallagher Amidst Injury Crisis
Spurs face mounting fitness concerns and a demanding schedule, prompting a potential midfield reinforcement.
Sarah Connor
Tottenham is reportedly close to signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.
Conor Gallagher is available to depart Atletico Madrid in January, alerting numerous clubs to his potential availability.
Tottenham may look to bolster their midfield following a major blow to Rodrigo Bentancur. The midfielder faces at least three months on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank confirmed the severity of the injury, noting that while the exact timeframe for Bentancur's return remains unknown, it is significant.
Lucas Bergvall is also sidelined and undergoing assessment, further thinning Tottenham's options in the middle of the park.
With midweek matches scheduled for three of the next four weeks, Spurs must decide whether to trigger the buy-option for Joao Palhinha's loan from Bayern Munich.
Gallagher’s potential arrival suggests that buy-option may be ignored, especially with Yves Bissouma set to return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Spurs' interest in Gallagher is concrete and accelerating. However, Aston Villa have also entered the fray, reportedly proposing a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Atletico Madrid have dismissed a straight loan. The Spanish club maintains that a loan with a clear, mandatory obligation to buy is the only acceptable alternative.
Gallagher is reportedly keen on the move, desperate to force his way into Thomas Tuchel's England plans ahead of this summer's World Cup.
While Aston Villa remain interested in bringing Gallagher back to the Premier League, some reports suggest they have yet to make direct contact with the player.
Tottenham are nearing an agreement on a fee around £34.7 million (€40 million) for the midfielder.
Beyond the midfield, Spurs are also reportedly close to sealing a £13 million deal for Santos left-back Souza.
The recruitment drive comes as the club's injury list grows. James Maddison ruptured his ACL in pre-season, and Dejan Kulusevski remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.
Richarlison was forced off against Aston Villa with a hamstring issue, while Destiny Udogie is nearing a return but missed the Villa defeat.
Thomas Frank noted that the injury surge isn't isolated to one club, suggesting the high volume of Premier League injuries is something football authorities must investigate.
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