Conor Gallagher: Definitive Judgment Made on Tottenham Midfielder After West Ham Debut
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2–1 home defeat to relegation-threatened West Ham United added further doubt over Thomas Frank’s future, but it also signalled the start of Conor Gallagher’s time at Spurs following his January arrival. It immediately sparked debate over how the midfielder performed on his first outing.
A graduate of Chelsea’s academy, Gallagher departed Stamford Bridge after failing to secure a consistent role and moved to Atletico Madrid. However, a mixed 18-month spell in Spain prompted a return to England, with Tottenham offering him a fresh opportunity under Frank. For the 25-year-old, who has collected 22 England caps since making his debut in November 2021, the transfer also provides a chance to re-enter Thomas Tuchel’s international plans. Sadly, his debut in north London ended in defeat and proved far from ideal.
Gallagher became Spurs’ first signing of the January window after completing a £35 million move from Diego Simeone’s Atletico. Despite interest from Aston Villa, he made his preference clear, stating that he wanted to join Tottenham and that the feeling was mutual. Speaking to club media, he revealed the deal progressed quickly, praised the supporters and spoke of his eagerness to create memorable moments, with staying in London also believed to have influenced his decision.
Named in the starting line-up, Gallagher partnered Archie Gray in central midfield against West Ham. Tottenham were undone by a dramatic 93rd-minute Callum Wilson winner, after Crysencio Summerville’s early goal had been cancelled out late on by Cristian Romero.
With Spurs enjoying most of the possession, Gallagher was heavily involved. He recorded 70 touches, including nine in the opposition area, completed all three of his dribbles, played eight passes into the final third and created one chance. Even so, he struggled to impose himself on the contest and often appeared short of sharpness — perhaps unsurprising given his limited minutes in Spain, where he completed just one full 90-minute match under Simeone.
After making 95 appearances for Chelsea before leaving in 2024, Gallagher now faces the task of quickly readjusting to the Premier League’s intensity following his time in La Liga. Chances to respond will come swiftly, with Borussia Dortmund visiting in the Champions League before Spurs travel to Burnley next weekend.
A consistent run of strong performances could yet see him return to Tuchel’s England thinking ahead of the World Cup in North America, although competition remains fierce from players such as Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. Gallagher, however, will be determined to close the gap.
Reaction from supporters to his debut was mixed. While Archie Gray was widely praised as Tottenham’s standout performer, Gallagher’s display divided opinion. Some fans felt he looked uncomfortable in possession and off the pace, while others were more understanding, pointing to his lack of training time and the team’s overall struggles.
Several supporters questioned the club’s recruitment, raising concerns about his ability to move the ball forward, while others suggested he simply needs time to settle. One fan summed it up bluntly, describing him as off the pace and limited, but hopeful he can rediscover the form he once showed during his loan spell at Crystal Palace.