Tottenham Hotspur has taken a step ahead in the race to reinforce midfield. They have moved ahead of Aston low-rise apartment to close in on signing Conor Gallagher (26, Atlético Madrid).
The U.K. 'BBC' reported on the 13th (Korea time) that Tottenham Hotspur has surged to the front in the competition over Atlético Madrid midfielder Gallagher.
According to reports, Tottenham offered a transfer fee of 40 million euros (about 68.4 billion won) and expressed willingness to meet Atlético's required terms.
Gallagher's primary position is central midfield, and he is a typical box-to-box player who moves across both defensive and attacking zones, relying on pressure and work rate. His excellent stamina, fighting spirit and diligent movement are strengths, but his technique, vision and fundamentals are insufficient to be used as an attacking midfielder.
His off-the-ball movement is good, but his on-the-ball decision-making is slow and his pass choices are disappointing, often interrupting attacking progression. He was used by managers Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino alternating between the second and third lines, but limitations relative to his roles were also clearly revealed. From a manager's perspective he is a highly utilitarian, selfless midfielder, but his usefulness is limited in leading tactical roles.
Initially Aston low-rise apartment was considered the likely destination. However, low-rise apartment preferred a loan with an option to buy outright, and that became a variable in negotiations. In contrast, Tottenham immediately pursued a permanent transfer and overturned the negotiation dynamics.
Agreement on Gallagher's personal terms has not been officially finalized, but local observers view it as largely a formality. The player himself also wants to settle his future before Atlético's Copa del Rey schedule next week.
A return to the Premier League is also an attractive option for Gallagher. Ahead of this summer's World Cup, he is aiming to regain a place in the England national team under manager Thomas Tuchel. So far, his only appearance under Tuchel is 59 minutes in a friendly against Senegal.
There is a reason for Tottenham's move. Key midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is set to go under the knife for a hamstring injury and is confirmed to be out for at least three months. With a gap in midfield unavoidable, immediate reinforcement of a ready player became urgent.
If the transfer goes through, Gallagher will get a chance to prove his value again on the English stage. Tottenham will add work rate and pressing ability to the midfield, and Gallagher will gain a stepping stone toward returning to the national team. The mutually beneficial negotiation is heading into its final stages.
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