Journalist: “I’ve been informed” that the £51 million star Tottenham now wants isn’t Conor Gallagher’s replacement.
Transfer insider Dean Jones analyzes the playing styles of Ederson of Atalanta and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the midfielder is unlikely to be a substitute for Gallagher.
During his first season in command at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, head coach Ange Postecoglou has received support in the transfer market and has made sure that Spurs are in the running to return to continental action and earn Champions League football the following season.
The Lilywhites are still thinking of signing another midfield player before the market closes on February 1st, despite having already had a successful 2024 winter transfer season. One of Atalanta’s most important players, Ederson is unlikely to be allowed to depart on a cheap deal should a mid-season transfer materialize in the coming weeks for the Serie A team.
Tottenham’s desire for Ederson and Gallagher
Tottenham is reportedly in negotiations to sign a midfield player, as reported by The Independent on January 10. This comes after the club signed forward Timo Werner of RB Leipzig and center-back Radu Dragusin of Genoa this month.
In order to complement James Maddison, Postecoglou is hoping to recruit a player who can run at defenders from the middle of the park. According to the same article, Gallagher of Chelsea has been determined to be the perfect midfield player for that position.
Conor Gallagher, a midfielder for Chelsea, 1
With just 18 months remaining on his Stamford Bridge deal, the 23-year-old may be compelled to accept a sizable offer, forcing them to cash in on his talents. After Gallagher becomes Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino’s favorite midfield player during the 2023–2024 season, any deal for the midfielder would need to be in the neighborhood of £50 million.
Throughout this season, the England international has even taken on the captain’s armband occasionally in lieu of Reece James due to injuries. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said to GIVEMESPORT on January 16 that while Postecoglou “really appreciates” Gallagher, he is not aware of the talks taking place between Chelsea and Tottenham.
Tottenham is reportedly thinking about making a deal for Ederson, an Atalanta midfielder, according to Sky Sports News. The 24-year-old, who is reputedly valued at £51 million, has also drawn interest from Newcastle United, according to Tutto Atalanta. The article states that although formal negotiations have not yet taken place, the desire to sign the South American is “known.” Because of his “strategic value,” Ederson is an essential member of the Atalanta team, and the Serie A team believes it would be foolish to sell him.
Dean Jones: Fabio Paratici might have suggested Ederson.
Because Ederson “doesn’t got the same” energy as his Chelsea rival, Jones finds it difficult to envision Ederson as a clear replacement for Gallagher. The writer believes that Fabio Paratici, the former sporting director of Tottenham, may have suggested the former. Smith stated to GIVEMESPORT:
“I find it difficult to picture Ederson as a Gallagher substitute because, from what I’ve been told, he has the same enthusiasm and is not the stylistic fit of a No. 8 that Gallagher would be in this Spurs squad. It’s also unclear how quickly Ederson would adjust to Premier League life. Of again, since we know Paratici is still consulting, it’s possible that Paratici has recommended him. I can’t completely rule him out as a target because of it.
News about Tottenham transfers, with an update on Antonio Nusa
Even though Tottenham made two big purchases during the winter transfer window of 2024, there may be additional arrivals before the market’s deadline of February 1st. In light of rumored interest in Ederson and Gallagher, the Spurs may focus their attention elsewhere in coming days.
Tottenham and Club Brugge are reportedly in discussions about the possibility of signing forward Antonio Nusa, according to HLN (via Romano). The 18-year-old is reportedly not interested in leaving his club midway through the season, and no formal bid has been made as of yet. Even though Nusa is being pursued by numerous clubs, Tottenham may be able to secure a contract now so that the Norway international may join in the summer.
Reigning Serie A winners Napoli have reportedly expressed interest in Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, according to The Telegraph. During Postecoglou’s debut season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 28-year-old has served as a backup option. The Australian head coach would rather start with Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr when they are healthy and available.
