Thomas Frank's first recruit of the January transfer window must hit the ground running to improve Tottenham Hotspur's fortunes, and some people think he has what it takes.
England star Conor Gallagher has touched down at Tottenham in a £35million deal, heralding the start of Thomas Frank's January transfer window as the club seek urgent improvements - and some fans in the football.london comments section are clear Gallagher will be useful addition that will have a positive impact further up the pitch.
Gallagher is back in the Premier League around 18 months after his departure from Chelsea, arriving from Spanish club Atletico Madrid in a deal worth in the region of £34.7million (€40million). He impressed during his loan spell with Crystal Palace, but has found opportunities hard to come by under Diego Simeone, and he will be looking for regular playing time to boost his chances of being picked for England at the World Cup this year.
His homegrown squad status will be especially useful after the departure of Brennan Johnson - with Spurs having fended off interest from Aston Villa for his signature. Speaking about Gallagher's qualities, manager Frank said: "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."
Some fans are all-for the signing. On our Facebook page, reader Stu Abbott says: "Great signing, exactly what we need to play alongside [Joao] Palhinha and Xavi [Simons]! Definitely an upgrade on [Rodrigo] Bentancur."
Commenter Bill Knowles writes: "I agree, think this is an astute buy. Will work well with our creative Xavi Simons."
THFC4Tim says: "There have been some grumbles about bringing in an ex-Chelsea player, but look back to the time we also had a former Gooner in our ranks. There were many a raised eyebrow when [Emmanuel] Adebayor joined. But he proved to be a very astute signing. So let's not pass any judgement on Gallagher until we seen what he can do on the pitch. He also helps with the homegrown numbers, which is an added bonus."
Footiefan123 adds: "At last, a proven signing. Conor can be the leader we desperately need and drive us forward with commitment and energy. Let's hope the club follow up with more experienced signings as promised."
Not everyone is as positive on Gallagher, though, as Narsil writes: "We need a marquee signing and, although he's competent enough, he's not it. A 20-goal-per-season striker and couple of pacy, creative, advanced midfielders are required. Plus, of course, a manager who can mould the team together."
Thomfire says: "We need to get bodies into the box in support of Xavi and create space and options. I didn't see him at Atletico doing that so I am not sure Conor is that person... I will happily be proven wrong."
Deans Mark-Jenny writes: "Good signing. Ange [Postecoglou] tried to get him to Spurs also, but with Frank's style of play I don't think we will get the best version of Conor. Hope I'm wrong, but I think he's more suited to attacking pressing football."
Eltel99 says: "Was never a big fan, but when I watched Conor he was so young at Palace. Now as a maturing player - with still a few more years to develop - I think he will be a good signing. Probably most Spurs fans think we need some real dangerous forwards - [Brighton winger, Kaoru] Mitoma would fit the bill! Tammy Abraham or Ivan Toney, wages most probably count us out!"