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Aston Villa have initiated contact with Atletico Madrid over a loan deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher, with the Premier League club exploring an initial loan with an option to buy while testing Atletico’s resolve as the Spanish side prefer a permanent sale.
Aston Villa Make Contact With Atletico Madrid Over Conor Gallagher Loan Move
Gallagher moved to Atletico from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 for £35.8 million and impressed during his debut campaign in La Liga. However, this season has seen his playing time reduced significantly, with the 25-year-old England international managing only four La Liga starts alongside 15 substitute appearances under Diego Simeone.
The reduced minutes have left Gallagher open to a Premier League return, with Villa emerging as frontrunners after formalising their interest with Atletico Madrid. The Spanish club want a fee similar to the £35.8 million they paid Chelsea for the midfielder and remain reluctant to sanction a straight loan deal without guarantees over a permanent transfer.
Villa are mindful of Financial Fair Play regulations and other squad priorities, prompting them to push for a loan structure that delays the bulk of any transfer outlay until the summer window. Unai Emery’s side are preparing for a busy winter transfer window as they remain firmly in the Premier League title race, although Champions League qualification remains their major priority for the campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur and other Premier League clubs are monitoring Gallagher’s situation and preparing to enter the race for the England midfielder. However, Villa are currently viewed as frontrunners having taken the step to formalise their interest directly with Atletico Madrid’s hierarchy over a potential January move.
Villa secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday to progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup and continue their fine start to 2026. Emery’s team are next in action against Everton on Sunday as they look to maintain their strong domestic form across multiple competitions.
