Conor Gallagher is looking as though he could leave Atletico Madrid in 2026, with a potential return to Crystal Palace mooted.
Conor Gallagher won over the hearts of Crystal Palace fans during his impressive loan spell at the club in the 2021/22 season.
The England midfielder scored eight goals in 34 Premier League appearances for the Eagles that season, then sealing a permanent move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in 2024.
Gallagher played a key role for Diego Simeone’s side last season with three goals in 34 La Liga games. But he’s started only two of eight La Liga appearances this time round.
Over the summer, reports linked Crystal Palace with a move for Gallagher. Subsequent reports ahead of January have revealed that Crystal Palace could make a move for Gallagher in the winter window, with Madrid’s asking price set at £52million.
Graeme Bailey weighs in on Conor Gallagher to Crystal Palace rumours
Speaking to We Are Palace, chief transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has weighed in on the Gallagher situation at Atletico. He’s revealed how Palace have stayed in contact with Gallagher’s representatives since he left the club in 2022 and that the 25-year-old isn’t short of options ahead of January.
Bailey explained: “Conor Gallagher was a wanted man in the summer and Atletico were considering their options and he could have gone, but he stayed. However, he remains unsettled. He needs to be playing if he wants a chance of going to the World Cup and two league starts, to this point, won’t be enough to get that done.
“Palace have always held Gallagher in high regard since his outstanding loan spell and they have maintained contact with his people and have an interest, would that be this January? Possibly, especially if he was available on loan but there are a host of clubs interested in him. He is not short of options.”
Oliver Glasner could move for Conor Gallagher if one thing happens in January
Gallagher might be a costly purchase for Palace or for any other team looking to buy him. A loan exit from Atletico could be a better fit for all involved, especially given Gallagher just wants to play football in a bid to be in the World Cup squad next summer.
And there might be a stronger case for Crystal Palace to bring him to Selhurst Park if Adam Wharton leaves the club in January.
He’s content at Palace right now and there’s no immediate indication that he’s on his way out. But Wharton’s transfer links to Real Madrid are ongoing and if his form continues to be impressive ahead of January, there’s every chance he gets snapped up.
Gallagher would be the ideal player to come in and replace Wharton, until the summer at least. If Wharton goes for a lot of money too, which he no doubt would, then Palace could reinvest some of that on signing Gallagher.
