United move for La Liga midfielder | OneFootball

Man Utd Weigh Conor Gallagher Move Amid Baleba Price Concerns

Manchester United’s midfield rebuild could take a new turn as the club weigh up a transfer swoop for Conor Gallagher, according to a report from The Express’s Jeremy Cross. With Brighton’s Carlos Baleba carrying a huge £110million price tag, Gallagher has emerged as a realistic alternative target.

Photo IMAGO

Gallagher’s Atletico Struggles

Gallagher moved to Atletico Madrid in 2024 for £36m after his spell with Chelsea. However, his time in Spain hasn’t gone as planned. Despite making 50 appearances in his debut season, this campaign has seen him start just two matches. Diego Simeone appears unconvinced, leaving the 25-year-old frustrated.

As Cross explained: “Atletico manager Diego Simeone remains unconvinced about Gallagher’s value to his squad and may be open to selling him.”

With Enrique Cerezo valuing Gallagher at around £50m, United could see an opening.

United’s Midfield Shake-Up

Ruben Amorim, now in charge at Old Trafford, is determined to bolster midfield options. Casemiro is expected to leave next summer, and United are identifying successors early. As the report highlights: “The United hierarchy are now exploring alternative options, viewing Gallagher as an ideal successor for Casemiro.”

Gallagher’s return to England would also bring personal motivation. Omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad, he fears limited game time in Spain could threaten his World Cup hopes.

Baleba or Gallagher?

While United remain admirers of Baleba, the reality is simple: £110m is a steep price for a player still developing at Brighton. Gallagher, at £50m, represents a more attainable deal. Importantly, Champions League qualification could be the deciding factor. As noted in the report: “It is understood that securing Champions League qualification would enhance United’s chances of enticing Gallagher.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this story raises as many questions as it answers. On one hand, Gallagher feels like a pragmatic signing. At £50m, he’s relatively affordable in today’s inflated market. His energy, work rate and pressing ability align with what Ruben Amorim is trying to build – a more dynamic and high-intensity midfield.

However, fans may worry that Gallagher isn’t the long-term answer. He struggled to fully convince at Chelsea, and his Atletico spell suggests he has yet to cement himself as a top-level midfielder. Many supporters might see this as United shopping for “Plan B” options again, rather than decisively landing elite talent.

Carlos Baleba excites fans because of his potential, but £110m is undeniably risky. There’s also frustration that United often find themselves outpriced in the market.

At the same time, there’s realism. Gallagher, Premier League-proven and still only 25, could be a shrewd acquisition, especially if Casemiro departs. United supporters will likely keep one eye on the Champions League chase – because without it, neither Baleba nor Gallagher may see Old Trafford as the right move.