Romano: Man Utd could buy Conor Gallagher for £26 million.
Fabrizio Romano has stated that Atletico Madrid are not accepting a loan deal for Conor Gallagher, but are willing to sell him outright if a reasonable offer is received; the fee is estimated at around €30 million (£26 million), after having previously rejected a loan proposal at the end of August.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United could finalize the signing of Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window for a fee of around €30 million (£26 million). Atletico Madrid are not considering loaning out the English midfielder, but are willing to sell him outright if they receive a suitable offer.
Signals from Romano and the transfer picture
Romano confirmed that Man Utd have returned to targeting midfield after prioritizing strengthening the attack and goalkeeping position this summer. Gallagher is among the top options for the Old Trafford side. Conversely, Atletico Madrid have maintained a clear stance: no loan deals, only considering permanent sales if a suitable price is offered.
- The expected fee is around 30 million euros (26 million pounds), according to Romano.
- Transaction type: outright sale, no loan.
- Context: Man Utd made a loan attempt in late August but were rejected.
- Timing: It could happen as early as January, or later in the summer.
Atletico Madrid's perspective and Gallagher's playing status.
Gallagher moved to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea for £34 million in 2024. This season, he has only started three games under manager Diego Simeone and is reportedly looking for more regular playing time to compete for a World Cup spot. This makes a departure from Madrid in the winter transfer window a realistic possibility if a suitable offer comes along.
Insider's perspective
Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano said:
"I think there's a possibility Conor Gallagher will leave Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window or in the summer. Manchester United showed interest in Gallagher in the final days of August, but Atletico rejected a loan move."
"I think if there were a long-term transfer offer, things would be different. The figure could be around €30 million (£26 million), sources say this could be the way to get Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window."
Significance for Man Utd
The pursuit of Gallagher aligns with Manchester United's goal of strengthening their midfield after the summer. A deal in the €30 million range would be a negotiable price point, but not beyond their budget, and would provide a timely addition to their squad for the second half of the season.
Market variables
Romano said that besides Man Utd, several clubs in England and Italy are also monitoring Gallagher's situation. Atletico's "no loan" stance could narrow the scenarios down to a single option: a buy-out offer, thereby putting pressure on a decision to be made early in January.
The decisive nodal point
Two key factors will decide the deal: a fee close to €30 million and Gallagher's desire for regular playing time. If Man Utd make an offer within the range Atletico are willing to accept, the deal could be activated in the next transfer window, after the loan option fell through at the end of August.
