Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is on Thomas Tuchel's World Cup long list but the question remains whether the current Atletico Madrid midfielder can do enough to secure a spot at the tournament
There would be strong interest in Conor Gallagher if Atletico Madrid allow him to move in the January transfer window. Manchester United and Newcastle United are among the clubs keeping tabs on the 25-year-old midfielder.
Former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher brings energy, work rate and determination plus also a proven track record in the Premier League. But the bigger issue at play is what the next six months means for Gallagher and specifically his chances of getting back into the England squad for the World Cup.
Gallagher last played for England against Senegal in June and has since then fallen down the pecking order. He was a regular under Gareth Southgate and was reliable as well as being a strong option in midfield.
But under Thomas Tuchel, he has now fallen behind the likes of Elliot Anderson and the last squad saw Adam Wharton get included, Alex Scott was called up while Jordan Henderson was also in the group for the double header with Serbia and Albania.
There is a perception that Gallagher is not playing regularly at Atletico Madrid and that is why a January move could be on.
But actually he has played 25 times, started big Champions League games and, while he has been subbed on and off in La Liga games, he is still very much in the mix.
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A move to Old Trafford would probably put him in sharp focus for Tuchel but it would certainly not guarantee him a World Cup spot.
United’s current injury worries mean they may well look at the loan market and if Gallagher was available there would be no shortage of offers.
Tuchel also revealed in November that he has a long list of players who he plans to speak to, FaceTime and also see in-person. It is safe to assume that Gallagher is on that list and the player’s mindset is second to none when it comes to focus and determination.
But it would still be a gamble to move in this window because England would offer few guarantees. And unless he became a shining star in a United team pushing to get into the Champions League places, then it might not be enough anyway.
Gallagher backed himself brilliantly at Chelsea in a rather ugly stand-off and, in an era when too few players go abroad to expand their horizons and push their boundaries, he deserves great credit for grasping the Atletico Madrid opportunity to further himself on and off the pitch.