Tottenham have completed the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid – with the Chelsea youth product today declaring picking Spurs as ‘very easy’.
Gallagher, 25, arrives at Spurs in a £34.6million deal after they saw off rival interest from Aston Villa to capture the midfielder.
At one point Villa, 16 points ahead of Tottenham in the Premier League, had looked to be in pole position to sign Gallagher but he has instead signed for Chelsea’s great rivals.
But despite his personal history in West London – and hero status as captain before he left for LaLiga – the English midfielder had little trouble picking Spurs for his January transfer.
‘I’m so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club,’ Gallagher said.
‘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.
Conor Gallagher has completed his transfer from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham
In one of January’s biggest deals so far, the Chelsea youth product moves to their big rivals
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‘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 had made 95 senior appearances for Chelsea, scoring 10 times for the Blues.
He had taken the armband in much of his final season at the club due to injuries to Chelsea captain Reece James.
When Gallagher left for Atletico, Chelsea declared ‘you will forever be a blue’.
Gallagher made 77 appearances for the LaLiga giants, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank added: ‘Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad.
‘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.’
