Aston Villa are reportedly exploring a potential move for midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, with a loan deal being eyed as an initial step towards a possible permanent transfer.
The Villans are said to be willing to meet Atletico's requirements for the loan, which comes with an option to buy. However, there's another complication that could impact the deal: Aston Villa's future plans for Harvey Elliot. The club is struggling to find a solution for the 20-year-old midfielder, who has found himself on the fringes of the team, and if they're unable to resolve his situation, it may impact their ability to secure Gallagher.
As part of Atletico Madrid's demands, Villa would need to commit to buying Elliot within the next two years. However, the club is not keen on meeting the £35m obligation to buy, which has led them to explore alternative options for the young midfielder.
Gallagher, who joined Atletico from Chelsea in 2022 for a reported £38m, has already made a significant impact at the Spanish club, scoring four goals in 50 appearances last season. He's also a regular starter for the team, having appeared 27 times this campaign and starting in their recent loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
The midfielder is still only 25 years old and is in contention for an England call-up ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which could further complicate Villa's negotiations with Atletico.
The Villans are said to be willing to meet Atletico's requirements for the loan, which comes with an option to buy. However, there's another complication that could impact the deal: Aston Villa's future plans for Harvey Elliot. The club is struggling to find a solution for the 20-year-old midfielder, who has found himself on the fringes of the team, and if they're unable to resolve his situation, it may impact their ability to secure Gallagher.
As part of Atletico Madrid's demands, Villa would need to commit to buying Elliot within the next two years. However, the club is not keen on meeting the £35m obligation to buy, which has led them to explore alternative options for the young midfielder.
Gallagher, who joined Atletico from Chelsea in 2022 for a reported £38m, has already made a significant impact at the Spanish club, scoring four goals in 50 appearances last season. He's also a regular starter for the team, having appeared 27 times this campaign and starting in their recent loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
The midfielder is still only 25 years old and is in contention for an England call-up ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which could further complicate Villa's negotiations with Atletico.
... I mean, I get it, gotta keep the squad fluid and all that jazz, but can't we just make up our minds? Like, is Gallagher going to join Villa or not? And what's with this £35m thingy for Elliot? 20 years old and struggling to find his spot in the team... poor kid 
. I mean, I know Atletico wants something for their investment, but come on, can't we just make a deal that doesn't involve someone having to buy another player? Gallagher's still young, got his whole career ahead of him... what if he doesn't want to go to Villa? 
i mean, villa wanna bring in gallagher, but theres this other thing w/ harvey elliot 2... if vila cant sort him out, its gonna be hard 4 them 2 make a deal w/ atletico. like, they gotta pay 35m 2 buy elliot, but villas not sure they wanna do that 
gallagher is all good tho, he's been killin it @ atletico & could b a great addition 2 villa. but now theres this england thing... if hes gonna get called up, hes gotta be ready 4 theWC. cant say i blame him tho 
meanwhile villans need to sort elliot's situation ASAP or gallagher might not be on the table at all 
But, gotta wonder if Villa's got a solid plan for Harvey Elliot? 
️ He's been stuck on the sidelines all season, and now they're gonna put him out to pasture just 'cause of a loan deal? 
. And what if England comes knocking for him? 
Villa's gotta have a solid backup plan for Elliot, or this whole thing falls apart 
- either pay £35m for Harvey Elliot or give Conor Gallagher a chance to shine 
. But I do feel bad for Elliot - the kid needs a chance to shine 
. It's like a domino effect - if Villa can sort out their midfield woes with Gallagher, they'll be stronger as a team 
️. And let's not forget, 25 and still only just started his career - he's got so much potential 
... He sounds like such a talented young player who's just getting stuck on the sidelines. 20 years old and still trying to find his way in the game 
. Can't imagine how frustrating it must be for Elliot, constantly being left out of the team and not knowing what's happening with his future 
. Hopefully he can find a way to break through and get back into form soon...
. He's only 25, too, so this could be an amazing opportunity for Villa to bring someone in who can make a real impact. But with England looming on the horizon, you've gotta wonder if Villa are being smart by not committing to Gallagher just yet 
.
They're struggling with Harvey Elliot, and if they can't sort that out, it's going to hurt their chances of getting Gallagher back in the squad 
. And what's up with Atletico wanting a £35m obligation to buy Elliot within two years? That's just crazy talk