Conor Gallagher looks set to bring his short time at Atlético de Madrid to an end. The English midfielder, who only joined a year ago, doesn’t seem to carry the same spark he had when he first arrived and is already weighing up a return to the Premier League. Reports from The Sun in England suggest Crystal Palace are the frontrunners, and they’ve got plenty of reasons to move quickly. The London side is in need of reinforcements after cashing in on Eberechi Eze, who left for Arsenal in a £67.5 million deal. For Gallagher, a move back could mean getting his career back in the spotlight and strengthening his case for a place in England’s squad at the 2026 World Cup.
Gallagher losing ground at Atlético
His debut season in Spain was anything but quiet. Gallagher featured 50 times for Atlético, proving to be a useful piece in Diego Simeone’s system. But the new campaign hasn’t gone to plan. On opening day, against Espanyol, he was hauled off at halftime in a 2–1 defeat. Not long after, he saw just 22 minutes of action in a disappointing 1–1 draw at home to Elche. For a 25-year-old still trying to lock down his place with the national team, the warning signs are obvious. With 22 England caps to his name, Gallagher knows he has the résumé, but he also knows it won’t be enough if he’s stuck watching from the bench.
Crystal Palace back in the picture
Palace’s interest makes sense. They’ve just lost Eze, their main creative spark, and now need someone who can step in and deliver straight away. Gallagher ticks all those boxes and, maybe more importantly, already has history with the club. Back in 2021/22, while on loan from Chelsea, he played 39 matches, scored eight goals, chipped in with five assists, and ended up winning the club’s player of the season award.
Selhurst Park was the stage for his best run of form so far. The chance to go back now seems to suit both sides perfectly. Palace would be getting a midfielder ready to shoulder responsibility, and Gallagher would be returning to a place where he’s already shown he can thrive.