Aston Villa Join Newcastle in Race to Sign £50m Conor Gallagher
Aston Villa have entered the race to sign England international midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is reportedly available for transfer from Atletico Madrid this summer. The 25-year-old, formerly of Chelsea, has drawn serious interest from Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United seen as current front-runners. Now, Villa have made their interest known as they seek to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new season.
**Gallagher’s Situation at Atletico Madrid**
Gallagher moved to Atletico Madrid last summer from Chelsea in a deal worth approximately €42 million. Despite a promising start, he struggled to secure a regular place in Diego Simeone’s starting XI, featuring in just over half of the club’s games last season. With the 2026 World Cup looming, the midfielder is reportedly eager to return to England to secure more consistent playing time and keep his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Atletico are open to selling Gallagher but are holding firm on a £50 million valuation. They are not under financial pressure to sell but will listen to offers that meet their price tag.
**Aston Villa’s Approach**
Villa have made contact with Gallagher’s representatives as they look to reinforce their midfield. Manager Unai Emery is said to be a fan of Gallagher’s energy, pressing ability, and versatility — qualities that fit well into his tactical system.
With European competition on the horizon for Villa, depth in midfield is a priority. Gallagher’s Premier League experience, coupled with his ability to play multiple midfield roles, makes him an attractive target. Sources suggest that Villa are prepared to make a competitive offer if the player signals a willingness to join the project at Villa Park.
**Newcastle Still Lead the Race**
Despite Villa’s entrance into the race, Newcastle United remain strong contenders for Gallagher’s signature. The Magpies are long-time admirers of the England international and have reportedly been in discussions with Atletico over a possible move. Eddie Howe views Gallagher as a key addition who can bring energy and balance to the midfield — particularly as Newcastle look to solidify their squad for another European push.
Gallagher is said to be intrigued by both clubs’ ambitions, but a decision may come down to guaranteed playing time and the manager’s vision for his role. While Newcastle can offer Champions League-level football, Villa are also on the rise under Emery and can offer him a more central role in their midfield setup.
**Financial Considerations**
The £50 million price tag is a significant outlay, but both clubs are believed to be financially capable of making the deal happen. For Villa, a deal at that figure would likely be among their biggest signings to date. The club’s owners have shown they are willing to back Emery in the transfer market as they aim to establish Villa as a top-six Premier League side.
**What Happens Next**
No official bids have been submitted yet, but talks are expected to progress over the coming weeks. Gallagher is currently assessing his options and will prioritize a move that ensures regular football and long-term development.
As the transfer window unfolds, Aston Villa’s move to join the race adds a new layer of competition and intrigue. Whether they can outmaneuver Newcastle or not remains to be seen, but it’s clear the chase for Conor Gallagher is heating up — and Villa are now firmly in the mix.
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