Ange Postecoglou was given the most expensive signing of his managerial career in the £65m Dominic Solanke this summer – although there was one player who escaped the Australian at Tottenham.
As well as the England international, Spurs added a top talent in Archie Gray to their squad – in addition to another gem in Lucas Bergvall – while Wilson Odobert was signed from Burnley too.
However, one player Ange Postecoglou badly wanted at Tottenham has now become an “idol” at the club who did manage to sign him…
Conor Gallagher shining for Atletico Madrid after Tottenham missed out
It is Conor Gallagher who has become a star elsewhere.
The England international has captured the hearts of Atletico Madrid fans, with Spanish news outlet AS writing that the man from Epsom is “already an idol” at the Wanda Metropolitano following his £34m move from Chelsea.
It comes after a story from Give Me Sport claimed that Gallagher was actually Postecoglou’s dream transfer target at Tottenham this summer – although a deal failed to materialise as Chelsea wanted Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid in a separate move.
AS explain that the 24-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite in Madrid thanks to a series of small gestures, in addition to his “pitbull” like efforts on the pitch, dressing his nephew up in Atletico Madrid colours while also ensuring he does not cut through the club’s name when adjusting his socks.
Gallagher is yet to taste defeat under Diego Simeone, playing 32 minutes of a 3-0 win over Girona, before making his full debut in Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.
Spurs will be fine
While Gallagher was Postecoglou’s dream target during the summer transfer window, Tottenham have more than enough talent in midfield to cope.
The aforementioned Gray and Bergvall are two of the biggest midfield prospects in Europe, so it may actually be helpful that the Atletico Madrid No.4 is not in N17 to block their pathways.
Interestingly, Gray has been tipped to emulate Declan Rice – such is the England U21 international’s immense potential – whereas Bergvall has even been compared to Jude Bellingham already.
Add another top midfield talent in Pape Matar Sarr, and Postecoglou has more than enough quality in his midfield to handle missing out on Gallagher.