Report: Man United told to pay £35m to sign La Liga midfielder in January

Manchester United have not yet initiated talks with Atletico Madrid for midfielder Conor Gallagher, but club officials are aware that Atletico would prefer a permanent sale for around £35 million rather than a loan deal. This stance is becoming more relevant as the January transfer window approaches and manager Ruben Amorim considers how to rebuild his midfield.

United had inquired about the 25-year-old England international late in the summer transfer window, and his immediate availability is a key factor. With uncertainty surrounding the futures and situations of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo, Gallagher is seen as a player who can provide instant energy, leadership, and Premier League resilience without a lengthy adaptation period.

While other midfielders like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Tyler Adams, and Joao Gomes are also under discussion, most would not be available until the summer. Gallagher and Ruben Neves—who is seeking to leave Al Hilal—are among the rare January options capable of quickly changing the team's dynamic.

There is a logical case for the move, with Gallagher's £35 million fee not considered excessive in a market that values energy and durability. Supporters view him as a player who presses, covers ground, and sets high standards—qualities often missing from United's midfield in recent seasons.

Given the uncertainties around several current midfielders, waiting until the summer is seen as a risk. Fans believe a January signing does not need to be a glamorous "project" player, but rather someone who can immediately stabilize the team by running, tackling, and leading.

Gallagher also carries an emotional appeal: he is proven in the Premier League, tested at the international level for England, and battle-hardened in big matches. Compared to alternatives like Neves returning from Saudi Arabia or waiting for younger prospects, pursuing Gallagher is viewed as a straightforward football decision rather than a complex financial puzzle. For supporters, this situation represents an opportunity for the club to demonstrate clarity, decisiveness, and positive momentum.