Manchester United are ready to improve their squad this January and could have the opportunity to sign an England international to add to their midfield options.
With the January transfer window approaching, Manchester United are expected to be active in the market as they look to strengthen their squad to push for Champions League qualification. It is clear that the midfield is in desperate need of reinforcements and if United want to make a serious push for the top 4, a new addition as early as January is essential.
Despite a positive 18 months in Spain’s capital, Spanish reports have suggested that Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher has emerged as a potential target for Man United this winter.
According to EstadioDeportivo, Atlético Madrid are not open to a loan deal for Gallagher but would listen to offers of around £26 million for the Englishman, which is a drop from their initial £52 million valuation.
Gallagher has made 18 appearances this season for Atleti and is seen as a valuable asset to Diego Simeone’s squad. However, Gallagher feels his role is not as prominent as he would prefer and he is keen to build up his minutes ahead of next summer as he looks to break into Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
It is understood that Atleti are not looking to offload Gallagher midway through the current season as Simeone is keen to maintain a balanced squad with plenty of depth to be able to challenge for the major honours, both domestically and continentally.
Why United may sign Gallagher
It felt as though the midfield was neglected yet again last summer, and many fans outlined their concerns around going into this season with a starting pair of an ageing Casemiro and an out-of-position Bruno Fernandes.
The duo possess undeniable quality but massively lack the physicality and energy required to compete in the Premier League. It is important that United recruit the right players for this area of the team to bring plenty of quality, energy and mobility, which they have lacked in recent years.
Gallagher would tick most of the boxes, which makes him an interesting opportunity in January. Business is never easy to conduct midway through the season during a busy period, but United need to add depth where they can. Even if these deals aren’t ideal or long-term, a ‘Gallagher-type’ signing could make a huge difference by instantly improving what we currently have available.
For one reason or another, Kobbie Mainoo has found himself predominantly on the sidelines, and his limited minutes suggest he is not a key part of Amorim’s plans. That situation seems bizarre in itself, but the club could be open to allowing the academy graduate to leave temporarily on loan to avoid a full season of 10-minute cameos here and there, which could be damaging to his future.
If this is the case, this adds another reason to the long list of why the team needs a midfield addition this January. It’s easy to see why Gallagher would be a target, given his Premier League experience with both Chelsea and Crystal Palace, his regular involvement with England, and his experience abroad working with a top-class manager in Simeone.
What is United’s plan?
The United hierarchy look set for another busy summer ahead of next season. According to many reports, Rúben Amorim will be backed again as the club look to improve their midfield, wing-backs, defence and maybe more. The most significant talking point is definitely the midfield, where they could invest in one or maybe two new signings.
United will be attentive to any opportunities that arise in January and has already been sounding out potential options, as well as Gallagher. Amidst a disastrous start to the season with relegation a serious threat, Wolves could look to cash in on one of their most valuable players, and João Gomes has been linked to a potential exit, with Old Trafford looking like a possible destination for the Brazilian.
Other names have been mentioned, but the summer looks set to revolve around three primary targets: Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson. The latter has become United’s favoured option as of recently but the other two remain admired by the club.
These reports indicate that United are looking to add just one of these to the squad, leaving fans questioning whether a second will follow and, if so, who it could be.
If Gallagher is a serious option for January, it seems as though Atleti would not entertain a loan. It’s unclear whether United would be looking at permanent deals for the winter, but this reported price drop could cause them to consider the move.
Gallagher might not be the most glamorous signing, but he would be an improvement on United’s squad, which could be vital to achieving a higher Premier League finish.
To attract the best players and show clear progress, United must qualify for Europe this season, and Champions League football remains a potential target. To ensure this, business has to be done this winter, and these kinds of opportunities are what United should be taking advantage of.
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