England Star Conor Gallagher Frustrated Over Limited Atletico Madrid Minutes

In the summer of 2024, Conor Gallagher arrived at Atletico Madrid as one of the club's most expensive midfield signings, with a €40 million (£35m/$46m) transfer fee reflecting the high expectations placed on the England international. Gallagher had just come off several standout seasons in the Premier League, rising through Chelsea's academy and shining during a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

However, as the current 2025 season has progressed, Gallagher's momentum at Atletico has stalled. The 24-year-old has logged only 339 league minutes so far and has completed just one full match since September. With established figures like Koke, Pablo Barrios, and Alex Baena fitting Simeone's tactical structure more precisely, Gallagher has found himself more frequently rotated, often used for energy rather than entrusted with a regular starting place.

Gallagher has now opened up about his frustration over the limited minutes, admitting he is "not satisfied" with his current situation. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the England international's fading playing time at Atletico has put his international hopes in jeopardy, leading to growing links of a potential January move to Manchester United.