Manchester United have been linked with a move for Conor Gallagher, who is reportedly available in the summer after almost 18 months with Atletico Madrid
Chelsea icon Pat Nevin believes Conor Gallagher would be an ideal acquisition for Manchester United, with the Red Devils having previously been linked to the England international. United are understood to view Gallagher as an alternative option, whilst Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains their primary midfield target.
However, the Seagulls have reportedly slapped a mammoth £100million valuation on the 21-year-old, which could prove a major stumbling block. Ruben Amorim’s squad could make substantial savings by pursuing the ex-Chelsea star instead. Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo recently suggested that Atletico Madrid would entertain bids around the £52m mark.
Former Scotland winger Nevin reckons Gallagher wouldn’t merely strengthen Amorim’s options, but would also provide crucial support for United captain Bruno Fernandes.
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Speaking to CasinoHawks, he said: “I think Conor Gallagher would be great at Man Utd, in my opinion. Gallagher can play a number of positions. Remember Gallagher can play in a 3-4-2-1 formation. It wouldn’t be the best as one of the wing-backs, but as one of the two in the central four.
“So you’re talking about the two central midfielders or one of the two ahead as well. If you put him in one of the two more holding positions with his energy, his battling, it kind of frees Bruno Fernandes a wee bit to go a bit further forward, because he’s been having to come back a few games, hasn’t he? Playing in a more defensive place.
“The energy levels that Connor’s got would be perfect which again makes you ask why they sold Scott McTominay.
“But the other thing about Connor, if you actually have to play him one further forward, there are very few in the game that are better in a high-pressing game.
“There are very few in football that can do better than him. He’s brilliantly suited to the English game.
“If Manchester United have had a problem for quite some time, one of the biggest problems they’ve had is energy in midfield. With the best will in the world, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were lovely players, fantastic world-class players, but they didn’t have legs by the end.
“Certainly Casemiro still hasn’t got the legs to do that three games a week. That’s clear, that’s obvious. So you need somebody in there who’s got that. I would be looking at those central positions, to be honest.”
Gallagher came through Chelsea’s academy after joining at six years old and worked his way into the senior squad. He gained experience during four loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Brom and Crystal Palace before becoming a regular in the Blues’ Premier League side.
The England international switched to Atletico Madrid following Enzo Maresca’s decision that he wouldn’t feature as a consistent starter. However, following his debut campaign in Spain, Gallagher may now be heading back to the Premier League.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
