In a whirlwind Monday evening on January 12, 2026, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly completed a dramatic "hijack" of Aston Villa’s deal for Conor Gallagher. After it appeared the Atletico Madrid midfielder was Birmingham-bound, Spurs swooped in with a permanent offer that has effectively "gazumped" their Premier League rivals.
According to Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, Spurs have struck an agreement with Atletico for a fee of €40 million (£34.7m), and the player has officially given the "green light" to return to London.
The Anatomy of a Hijack: How it Happened
Just hours before the news broke, Aston Villa were considered the frontrunners. However, the deal collapsed due to a difference in structure and player preference.
The Villa Offer: Unai Emery’s side had proposed a loan with an obligation to buy. While Atletico were open to it, the deal required Gallagher's final "thumbs up," which never came.
The Spurs Move: Following a long-term hamstring injury to Rodrigo Bentancur (expected to be out for three months), manager Thomas Frank urged the board to act decisively. Spurs offered a permanent transfer immediately, which satisfied Atletico’s desire for liquidity this winter.
The London Factor: Gallagher, a former Chelsea academy graduate, was reportedly keen on a return to the capital and is excited by the prospect of playing under Thomas Frank's high-intensity system.
The "Frank" Revolution at Spurs
This signing marks a significant moment for Thomas Frank. After a period of "boring" football accusations from sections of the home support, the arrival of Gallagher—known for his relentless pressing and "aimless running" (as his critics call it)—is seen as the perfect fit for Frank’s blueprint. He will likely slot straight into a midfield three alongside James Maddison and Yves Bissouma.
The Verdict: While Aston Villa will be reeling from the loss of a long-term target, Tottenham have shown the kind of "transfer market aggression" fans have been demanding. By securing a Premier League-proven engine for under £35m, they have solved a midfield crisis and weakened a top-four rival in one move.