Newcastle United could move for a new midfielder in 2026, and Conor Gallagher is bound to be in Eddie Howe’s thoughts.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali continue to shine for Newcastle United, but midfield additions should still be in mind for Eddie Howe.
Joelinton has been up and down this season, and Newcastle have been linked with midfield additions.
Inter’s Davide Frattesi has been on Newcastle’s radar, while Scott McTominay has even been linked with the Magpies.
One name Howe surely hasn’t forgotten is Conor Gallagher, who has been on the Newcastle wish list for some time.
Newcastle United’s spending power ahead of the January transfer window. Do you expect PIF to actually make a signing?
Atletico Madrid stance on Conor Gallagher
2023 saw Newcastle target Gallagher in a potential raid on Chelsea, but the midfielder stayed put in West London.
Gallagher was unsure about joining Newcastle in 2024 and instead departed for Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
The England international hasn’t been able to kick on under Diego Simeone and could be on the move again in January.
Gallagher has admitted to not being particularly satisfied with his playing time this season.
Newcastle’s long-standing interest in Gallagher surely means that Howe is watching his situation with intent ahead of the January transfer window.
Sky Sports now report that Atletico are against the idea of loaning Gallagher out in January.
Atletico took that stance before the summer transfer deadline and are not prepared to budge in the winter window.
Gallagher is interested in leaving Atletico for first-team action elsewhere, in an attempt to make a late push for England’s World Cup squad.
Atletico will not sanction a loan move, though, and Newcastle will have to strike a permanent deal in order to finally sign Gallagher.
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How much did Atletico Madrid pay for Conor Gallagher?
Atletico don’t fancy a loan move, and may be keen to recoup a large portion of their 2024 outlay on Gallagher.
As noted by BBC Sport, Atletico paid around £33million to sign Gallagher as Chelsea looked to sell to aid their PSR situation.
Newcastle may need to offer a similar price in January in order to tempt Atletico into a deal.
That is only part of the battle, though, as Epsom-born Gallagher has never played in the north of England.
Tempting players to the North East isn’t always easy, and Newcastle may need to pull out all the stops in order to finally land Gallagher in 2026.
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