Max Wilkins

Wed 1 April 2026 7:10, UK

Aston Villa may feel that they dodged a bullet after Conor Gallagher joined Tottenham in the winter.

The Englishman sealed a £35million switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January after strong interest from the Villans.

Unai Emery’s side made a loan offer with an option to buy the 26-year-old in the summer, as such a financial outlay wasn’t possible mid-season.

He instead joined Spurs and has since struggled to secure regular minutes and performances with the Lilywhites.

Villa fans feel glad to have missed out on Gallagher at this stage, but interest from B6 may not be totally dead in the water.

Aston Villa could still sign Conor Gallagher despite poor Tottenham form

It’s all about the food chain… apparently.

The Villans were told that they shouldn’t be surprised that they missed out on a transfer target to the North London club due to the so-called “food chain”.

I’m not sure how that’s working out for Tottenham, but if you look far enough down the Premier League, you’ll soon find out.

Gallagher has played a role in the Lilywhites’ problems, but the atmosphere around the entire side has contributed to them as well.

Relegation could prompt an early exit for the January signing, with former Villa scout Bryan King suggesting that a B6 move could still be possible.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “Before he left England, he was an interesting proposition.

“He would have improved Villa, but it hasn’t worked at Tottenham. He’s come back to the Premier League, and he’s disappeared.

“The way his career has gone is disappointing, and all he needs now is for Tottenham to be relegated to put the icing on the cake this season.

“You don’t know, maybe he would have been better at Villa in a team that’s winning matches.

“Confidence is a big thing for footballers, and if you’re in a losing team and you’ve come in with big expectations, you can struggle.

“Looking at him now, he’s at non-league level and looks like he’d be better in the National League.

“I think he’ll be one of many players wanting to leave Tottenham in the summer, but would Villa go in for him again and match his wages? Maybe they could.”

Gallagher may be suffering at Tottenham right now, but there is every chance that the Villans will take a chance on him in the summer.

Gallagher would still be useful for Aston Villa

Certain Villa fans won’t like to hear this, but there is no doubt that Gallagher would still be an asset for the squad in B6.

His failings at Tottenham and rejection of the Villans have clouded the vision of some supporters, but Emery is clearly still a fan.

With the current state of the midfield in the Midlands, adding a new option who can provide energy and intensity could prove wise.

There is no chance that he is worth the £35m Spurs paid, but if the claret and blue outfit can seal a cut-price fee in the summer, he could be a shrewd addition.