Atletico Madrid eyeing surprise move for “outstanding” Wolves star to replace Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher. (REUTERS/Susana Vera)

Wolves’ recent upturn in form has offered a glimmer of hope, but their fight for survival could be dealt a major blow by interest from one of Europe’s elite.

Unbeaten in four matches across all competitions, Rob Edward’s side have begun to show signs of life.

Draws against Manchester United and Everton, a first league win of the season over West Ham, and a dominant 6–1 FA Cup victory against Shrewsbury have lifted morale. Even so, Wolves remain anchored to the foot of the Premier League table and face an enormous task to avoid relegation.

That challenge may soon become even tougher, with Atletico Madrid now casting an eye over one of Wolves’ standout performers.

Atletico Madrid are tracking Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes as they search for a replacement for Conor Gallagher, who completed a €40 million switch to Tottenham earlier this week.

Gallagher struggled to cement a regular role under Diego Simeone, starting just four La Liga matches, and his departure has left Atletico short of energy and bite in midfield. According to Marca, Gomes has emerged as a leading candidate to fill that void.

The Spanish giants are understood to believe Wolves’ difficult league position could create an opening, with the Midlands club currently adrift at the bottom and staring at a potential drop. However, Wolves are not eager sellers.

The 24-year-old Brazilian, labelled “outstanding” by Danny Murphy, has been one of the most effective ball-winners in the Premier League this season and is central to O’Neil’s plans. Wolves are prepared to keep Gomes until the summer unless a bid in excess of £40 million is tabled.

For Wolves, losing a player of Gomes’ influence midway through a relegation battle would be a huge setback — and resisting Atletico’s interest may prove just as important as results on the pitch in the months ahead.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.