Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign Conor Gallagher from Spurs this January. He proved on Saturday why there’s absolutely nothing in these links.
Now that we’re heading towards the winter months, there’s always going to be certain outlets peddling transfer rumours about every club in the Premier League.
As usual, it’s not hard to discern those stories that have plenty of truth to them, and the ones that are obviously not going to happen.
Leeds United ‘linked’ with Spurs midfielder Conor Gallagher ahead of January window
One of the main positions of strength for Leeds right now is midfield. So, it was peculiar in the summer when we were trying our best to sign Shea Charles from Southampton. Of course, the justification for that is Charles now doing very well in Fulham colours.
However, as Saturday showed with Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff proving their worth, midfield is nowhere near a priority.
It doesn’t stop links from emerging to a fellow Premier League midfielder. Spurs’ Conor Gallagher is the latest to be touted for a move to Elland Road, having almost joined us under Marcelo Bielsa back in 21/22.
The 26-year-old’s eye-watering wages are an obvious other stumbling block too. Signing Gallagher would probably instantly make him Leeds’ top earner in the squad.
Conor Gallagher stinker outlines why Leeds United will not be signing him
Let’s say there is a world where Leeds are willing to throw everything at new signings in the January window. We know that’s unlikely given we’ve only made two January signings in three seasons under the 49ers. Both of those arrived on loan, and both were unsuccessful.
So, looking at Gallagher, it would be a signing that would have to break the bank, given his outrageous wage demands.
A player commanding such an outlay has to be a sure thing.
On Saturday, the lively midfielder was anything but the sort of player Leeds would want to add to this squad. Yes, there have been moments from his spells at Palace, Chelsea and now Spurs to get you off your seat, but at Elland Road, he was off the pace.
Roberto De Zerbi’s subs actually helped Leeds gain further control of the game. Pedro Porro and Mateus Fernandes, two of their most technically gifted players, were hooked for Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Outside of a missed shot from 25 yards that James Trafford had covered, Gallagher’s only real contribution was passing sideways and backwards.
His and Spurs’ day was summed up well late on. With five seconds to play, he was inexplicably unable to sort his feet out in midfield before passing the ball out for a Leeds throw-in under no pressure. That moment essentially confirmed our win.
Unless something drastic changes in what Leeds want and need this January, Gallagher won’t be on the agenda.
