Aston Villa are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid on an initial loan deal with a potential permanent buyout option, according to sources. The move has been sparked by concerns over Harvey Elliott's future at the club, with Villa looking to offload the struggling midfielder as they try to find him a solution to play elsewhere.
It is understood that Villa will not be able to fulfill their obligation to pay Elliott £35m for his services and are instead searching for alternative solutions. This has led Atletico Madrid to become more open to allowing Gallagher to join on loan, provided there is a clear route for the 25-year-old to make the deal permanent.
Gallagher has been with Atletico since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 for £38m and has already made 50 appearances for the club, scoring four goals. This season, he has started in 27 games, including the recent Spanish Super Cup loss to Real Madrid.
The midfielder is also keen on earning an England call-up ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which may further accelerate his move to Villa. Atletico Madrid's demands for a fee that mirrors what they paid for Gallagher (£38m) are said to be closely tied to their willingness to part with him on loan.
It is understood that Villa will not be able to fulfill their obligation to pay Elliott £35m for his services and are instead searching for alternative solutions. This has led Atletico Madrid to become more open to allowing Gallagher to join on loan, provided there is a clear route for the 25-year-old to make the deal permanent.
Gallagher has been with Atletico since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 for £38m and has already made 50 appearances for the club, scoring four goals. This season, he has started in 27 games, including the recent Spanish Super Cup loss to Real Madrid.
The midfielder is also keen on earning an England call-up ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which may further accelerate his move to Villa. Atletico Madrid's demands for a fee that mirrors what they paid for Gallagher (£38m) are said to be closely tied to their willingness to part with him on loan.
. So they're looking for a solution and maybe Gallagher can help them out? I mean, he's already playing well for Atletico Madrid, scoring goals and starting games 
. And it makes sense if he wants an England call-up too - the World Cup is coming up and he'll want to be part of that 
. But at the same time, Atletico Madrid wants £38m back, which seems like a lot 
! I've been saying it for ages, they need some quality in the midfield and Conor Gallagher seems like a great fit 
. The fact that Atletico Madrid is open to letting him go on loan is a big plus, it shows they're not too keen on keeping him either 
.
.
?! If Gareth Southgate picks up Gallagher, they'll have a serious midfield boost 
. Fingers crossed! 
I'm literally SHAKING thinking about this... Aston Villa gotta make move ASAP, but they need 2 convince Atletico Madrid 2 let Gallagher go lol what if villa can offer them a bigger market like Man City or Liverpool? that would be CRAZY!!! and what about harvey elliot?? villa need 2 find him a new home ASAP b4 he loses hope 
this loan deal has 2 work out ASAP or villa risk losing out on gallagher for good 
atletico madrid knows what they're doing, £38m for gallagher was a decent deal back then 
now it's £35m for elliot? that's a big drop 
still, i think villa should sort out elliot first before making moves like this 
gallagher will probably get England call up regardless so villa will have to be prepared for him 
. I mean, can't they just make up their minds about Harvey Elliott? First, they're like "we'll get rid of this guy", then they start playing him and now they're trying to offload him on someone else 
. And Atletico Madrid is already feeling the pressure because Villa won't be able to pay £35m for Elliott's services... that's just crazy talk 
i mean the guy has already played like 50 games 4 atletico madrid and scored goals he's got skills, defo gonna be a great addition 2 the squad 
and if villa can make that loan deal permanent w/ a buyout option thas a win win situation for them 
! They can't afford to lose another good player 
️, and Elliott's future is looking dodgy 
, scoring 4 goals in 50 appearances 
! England call-up would be a big bonus 
. Fingers crossed for Villa fans 
!
... first it's Elliott leaving and now they're trying to poach Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid? Like, what even happened to their youth academy? 
I'm not surprised Atletico is getting a bit impatient with him, though - 50 appearances in two seasons is not exactly lighting the world on fire... And poor Harvey Elliott, stuck at Villa while they're trying to find someone else to move for 
. And Conor Gallagher is a talented player, but 27 loan deals at Atletico Madrid might not be the most ideal situation... it's like they're stuck in limbo 
.
. Gallagher could definitely be a great signing, but it feels like he's being used as a scapegoat - at least this time 
. Plus, it gives Villa a chance to give Harvey Elliott another chance (if they do decide to let him go), so you've got to consider that too 
. And who knows, maybe Gallagher's England ambitions will bring even more energy to the team? 
. £38m is a pretty big ask, but if it means they're willing to let him go on loan, I'm all for it 
from Atletico Madrid 
50 goals in 50 games with atletico isn't bad for 27 starts 