Crystal Palace Initiate Talks With Atlético Madrid For Conor Gallagher Loan Return

Crystal Palace have started talks with Atlético Madrid to bring Conor Gallagher back to their team. They want him on a loan deal. Both teams have started talking, but nothing is confirmed yet. This could be an exciting transfer deal in the upcoming window.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Crystal Palace have reached out to Atlético Madrid about a loan deal for Conor Gallagher for the 2025–26 season. Gallagher left Chelsea for Atlético last year, becoming a key player in their midfield. He made his La Liga debut in August 2024 and scored important goals in domestic and European competitions. Palace, where Gallagher had a successful loan spell in 2021–22, see him as a perfect addition to their midfield. They aim to improve last season’s mid-table finish. Talks are still early, with both teams exploring their options. Gallagher’s preferences are yet to be known.

GALLAGHER AND CLUBS’ RECENT FORM

Gallagher joined Atlético Madrid for about £34 million last summer and quickly made an impact. He scored on his La Liga home debut and later netted in the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid. Critics praised his energetic play and work rate. Atlético finished the 2024–25 league season in third place, securing Champions League qualification, according to reports confirming that Atlético Madrid finished third last season, 12 points behind Barcelona. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, concluded last season in 12th place in the Premier League. While they ensured their safety, they also won both the FA Cup last season and the Community Shield this season. Palace are now focused on recruiting players to climb further up the table this season. Atlético’s first game of the new La Liga season ended in a 2–1 loss to Espanyol, and the second match saw them draw against newly-promoted Elche, while Palace began their campaign with a draw to Chelsea and a draw to Nottingham Forest.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The move now hinges on Atlético Madrid’s decision. Gallagher has a long-term contract in Spain, so Palace may face competition or strict terms in any loan deal. If both teams can agree on a deal, Gallagher may return to Premier League action soon. He could feature in Palace’s upcoming league match against Aston Villa, with both teams aiming to break into the top half of the table. The outcome of talks in the coming week will determine whether Gallagher returns to Palace, as both teams aim to strengthen their squads before the transfer deadline.