Souza
January 2026
Spurs announced the signing of Brazilian left-back Souza, 19, on a long-term contract as Thomas Frank looks to strengthen a thin squad amid poor league form. Souza arrives with first-team experience at Santos and joins as Frank’s second January addition after Conor Gallagher. Both player and coach framed the move as immediate depth plus long-term development.
Joao Gomes
January 2026
Atletico and United are both linked with Gomes, with Atletico seeking a replacement after Gallagher’s reported move to Tottenham, and United monitoring midfield options. Reports claim Atletico have moved quickly, but Gomes has expressed commitment to helping Wolves avoid relegation and has indicated he prefers staying in England, which could aid United if a deal develops.
Conor Gallagher
January 2026
Tottenham are reportedly positioned to hijack Aston Villa’s move for Gallagher, who may return to the Premier League after limited starts at Atletico this season. Despite strong first-season adaptation and Simeone praise, Gallagher’s reduced role has opened the door; Spurs and Villa both want midfield depth and could act quickly if Atletico entertain offers.
Conor Gallagher
January 2026
Villa are considering a January approach for Gallagher, who has struggled for consistent starts at Atletico this season. The idea is a loan with an obligation to buy. Atletico are said to value him around £35m, and Villa would face competition from Manchester United and Tottenham, who are also monitoring midfield options.
Conor Gallagher
December 2025
Conor Gallagher is being framed as a realistic January option for Manchester United, but only on a permanent transfer with Atletico Madrid expected to demand around £35 million. United are weighing multiple routes to reshape the midfield core. United previously explored late-summer midfield moves and are now re-checking targets amid availability constraints elsewhere. The Gallagher angle is defined by Atletico’s preference for a full sale rather than a loan, pushing United to compare cost versus other profiles.
Elliot Anderson
December 2025
Manchester United have put Elliot Anderson at the top of their midfield shortlist as they prepare for uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo and continued struggles from Manuel Ugarte. United also expect to miss out to Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo, forcing a pivot in January plans. Anderson is viewed as a premium target but is unlikely to be available until summer because Forest are fighting relegation and chasing a Europa League run. United’s wider holding-midfield list includes Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams, Joao Gomes, Ruben Neves and James Garner.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim has restated that Manchester United will only act in January for players they are certain want to join, warning against repeating past mistakes as the club weigh defensive midfield targets and react to missing out on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. After walking away from Brighton’s £100m price for Carlos Baleba, United now track Ruben Neves, Conor Gallagher and Tyler Adams while monitoring other positions, but Amorim stresses they will not rush into panic deals and will prioritise long term fit, commitment and character over short term fixes.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim confirms Manchester United are ready to act in January if the perfect opportunity arises, with a new defensive midfielder still the priority but scope to move for an attacker such as Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo if profile and price align with long-term planning. United have compiled a shortlist including Ruben Neves, Conor Gallagher and Tyler Adams after backing away from Brighton’s £100m Carlos Baleba, while AFCON absences for Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo increase pressure to secure a versatile, ready-made starter.
Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid)
September 2025
Manchester United failed in a deadline-day bid to sign Conor Gallagher on loan from Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club refusing to sanction a temporary move. Atletico swiftly rejected United’s approach, citing no interest in a loan exit. United had pursued midfield reinforcements all summer but failed to land targets including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Amorim must continue with existing options.