The 25-year-old midfielder has returned to the Premier League with Villa's rivals Tottenham Hotspur
Conor Gallagher admits he ‘wanted to be a Spurs player’ after turning down a move to Aston Villa.
The midfielder was speaking after completing a £34million transfer from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur.
The move represents a return to London for a player who came through the Chelsea youth system before moving to La Liga in 2024.
He scored seven times in 77 games under Diego Simeone but as soon as the transfer window opened he seemed destined to return to the Premier League.
He could have done that with Villa who are third and battling for Champions League qualification but has instead opted for mid-table Tottenham.
He told their club website why: “I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club.
“I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch.
“I know how great the fans are, I’m really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together.”
Spurs’ head coach Thomas Frank, said: “Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad.
“He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team.
“Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.
“I’m excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team.”