Sunderland line up midfielder who was ‘first name on Sam Allardyce’s team sheet’
Sam Allardyce will be among those pleased to hear that Sunderland are keen to make a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Sunderland could make a move for Gallagher in January, along with several other Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.
The midfielder has struggled for minutes in Spain this season, and would be keen to play more in a late bid for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the World Cup next year.
Habib Diarra is expected to return from injury in December, with the Black Cats suffering from a lack of midfield depth in the summer signing’s absence.
Granit Xhaka has been excellent for Sunderland since arriving, but both he and Noah Sadiki are currently tasked with playing every minute of every game.
Sam Allardyce is a big fan of Conor Gallagher
Much of Sunderland‘s stunning start to the season can be put down to their midfield, with Xhaka and Sadiki bringing seemingly endless energy.
Sunderland’s 1-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday saw the effect of a lack of alternative options, however.
Regis Le Bris‘ side were dominated throughout the game, producing just two shots on goal in a dismal display at Craven Cottage.
Having the likes of Gallagher to bring off the bench would have been hugely helpful, with the midfielder offering similar levels of energy with quality to match.
| Conor Gallagher | La Liga 2024-25 |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Successful dribbles | 17 |
| Duels won | 110 |
| Recoveries | 107 |
The 25-year-old joined Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £33million from Chelsea in 2024, despite having enjoyed a strong season with the Blues.
This season has seen the England international largely resigned to appearances off the bench; however, with a move back to the Premier League now on the cards.
Speaking during the 2024 European Championship, former Sunderland manager Allardyce spoke about the midfielder’s strengths.
“If you want a defensive role midfield-wise because you’re playing against a much better side, you play Conor Gallagher instead of Trent, because Conor will give you that energy in terms of winning knockdowns, but also shutting and closing the opposition down,” he told the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.
“I worked with him when he was young at West Brom, and for a team that struggled so badly, this lad never got his head down.
“He was only 19, and he was first on our team sheet because of the fact that he did the hard yards, he did the unseen stuff.
“Against a better team, it would be him, you’d need to do a specific job on say (Ilkay) Gundogan if they play Germany. Say, ‘Conor, mark him out of the game’. I think he can do that.”
Gallagher already caught Thomas Tuchel’s attention
With a strong second half of the season, Gallagher could well be back in Tuchel’s thinking ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Speaking in 2021, the then-Chelsea manager said: “I am not surprised the national coach (Gareth Southgate) loves him because I loved him from day one. Humble, nice, smile on his face and all the time ready to give everything, wants to learn and improve.
“As a teammate, I would have loved to play with him. It is a pleasure to know him; I am super happy that it has worked out so well. He needs to keep his feet on the ground.”
Right now, however, the midfielder needs consistent minutes. A move back to the Premier League with Sunderland could well be the route that Gallagher chooses.
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