Conor Gallagher has revealed that he wanted to become a Tottenham player after he became the club’s first signing of the January transfer window.
The England midfielder completed a £34.6million move Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, bolstering Thomas Frank’s midfield at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It had been previously reported that Aston Villa were interested in signing Gallagher, but Spurs have beaten their rivals to his signature.
The former Chelsea man left the Premier League for Spain in 2024, and after a year and a half in Madrid, he has returned to his homeland.
Spurs moved quickly to secure his signature, having lost Rodrigo Bentancur to a serious hamstring injury in a huge blow.
“I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club,” Gallagher told the Spurs club website.
“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.”
Gallagher played 77 games for Atleti, scoring seven goals in his time at the Wanda Metropolitano.
He burst onto the Premier League scene on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021-22, playing 39 games and scoring eight goals for the Eagles.
He then forced his way into Chelsea’s first-team picture, going on to make 95 appearances for the Blues, adding 10 goals and 10 assists.
“Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad,” Frank said.
“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.”