Manchester United Values Gallagher’s Rich Premier League Experience, Sees Him as a Target to Strengthen the Squad
Manchester United will sign at least one midfielder in 2026, with Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher among the potential targets.
After a disappointing offensive performance in the 2024/2025 season, Manchester United focused on strengthening their forward line in the summer transfer window. Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Yannick Mbeumo successively joined Old Trafford, while the team also signed goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt.
With the forward line and goalkeeper position reinforced, the focus of signings in 2026 is expected to shift to other positions. Considering that Rúben Amorim clearly favors neither English youngster Kobbie Mainoo nor Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte—who has yet to show significant influence since signing—midfield reinforcement is likely to be a priority.
Gallagher could indeed be an opportunity, but Atlético Madrid refused to let him leave last August. The situation in the January transfer window remains to be seen. Stuttgart’s Enzo Stiller is also a player they admire, but Bundesliga clubs are usually unwilling to sell key players in the winter window. Therefore, winter transfer operations will be difficult, and a real turnaround may come in the summer window. What is certain is that Manchester United will add at least one midfielder in 2026.
In addition, Manchester United believes the advantage of signing Gallagher lies in his no need for a long adaptation period. The England international accumulated rich Premier League experience during his previous spells at Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Although he is not an absolute regular at Atlético Madrid in La Liga now, he can provide versatility in multiple midfield positions—under manager Diego Simeone, he has played both as a wing-back and a central midfielder.
However, Manchester United will still need to pay a high price to complete the deal. Currently, Gallagher earns £200,000 per week at Atlético Madrid, and his contract with the club runs until the summer of 2028.
