Conor Gallagher became Tottenham Hotspur's first signing of the January transfer window on Wednesday when he completed a £35million move from Atletico Madrid.
Gallagher, who moved to the Spanish capital from Chelsea in 2024, returns to the Premier League on a five-and-a-half year contract with Spurs.
With Rodrigo Bentancur suffering a hamstring injury, that has required surgery and will keep him out for three months, and Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma having been away at the African Cup of Nations, Thomas Frank has been bereft of midfield options.
Injuries and Unavailability Spark Spurs Into Transfer Action
Tottenham had to beat off competition from Aston Villa for the 25-year-old's signature, with Gallagher initially looking set to sign for Unai Emery's title-chasing side.
However, a late move from Spurs, in the wake of Bentancur's injury, won the day, with the Lilywhites actually tying up a deal pretty quickly - something they have been accused of failing to do in recent times.
So what was it that swung things in Spurs' favour?
From Atletico Madrid's point of view, Tottenham were easier to do business with because they offered the Spanish giants exactly what they wanted - a quick, permanent sale.
Tottenham Moved Quickly To Confirm Transfer
Aston Villa, with the shadow of Profit & Sustainability Rules and Squad Cost Ratio hanging over them, were inclined to do a loan deal, with an option to buy at the end of it - much like they had with Harvey Elliott - a deal that has not gone well with the Liverpool loanee told he will not play for Emery's side again this season and thus the £35million buy obligation will not come into force.
Tottenham were prepared to pay the €40million (£35million) asking price for a permanent signing, which was accepted, with Gallagher agreeing personal terms and passing a medical swiftly.
From the player's side, Gallagher was always keen to return to the Premier League, having been let go by Chelsea and may return with something of a point to prove to his boyhood club, now with their fierce rivals.
Speaking to the official Tottenham Hotspur website, Gallagher explained his decision.
“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.”
Having grown up in Surrey and played for much of his career in London, returning to the capital played a big part in the midfielder's decision, GIVEMESPORT understands.
London Was A Big Factor For Gallager
The pull of playing in London, over returning to the Midlands - where he spent a year on loan with West Bromwich Albion in 2020/21 - was great, giving Spurs the edge over Villa.
With Villa third in the Premier League and more likely than Spurs (14th) to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, there needed to be another selling point for Gallagher too.
Villa have a settled side and are out-performing expectations under Emery this season. On the flip side, Tottenham have struggled and Frank needs organisation and control in his midfield. That's where Gallagher comes in and the fact that he is more likely to get guaranteed starts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium than at Villa Park will also have played a part in his decision.