Conor Gallagher’s second spell at Tottenham Hotspur began inauspiciously. The midfielder arrived from Atlético Madrid for £35 million in January 2025, only for Thomas Frank’s tenure to collapse within weeks. Igor Tudor’s brief reign followed, and Gallagher found himself frozen out—”wasn’t having me,” as he later put it. Relegation scrapes and managerial churn defined his first months, leaving the player’s future at the club in doubt. Yet timing, as he reflected in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, can pivot a career. With Roberto De Zerbi now in charge and Tottenham clinging on until the final day, Gallagher insists the slate is clean. “It’s time to kick on,” he said. “I want to be at my best to help the club go to where we should be.”
From relegation scrapes to a fresh start under De Zerbi
The turning point came in March 2026 when De Zerbi arrived and immediately reshaped the squad’s rhythm. Gallagher admits the Italian’s intensity was daunting at first, though he later clarified his remarks were paraphrased rather than direct quotes. The tactical clarity and consistent minutes restored his confidence. “A lot of credit to the manager,” Gallagher said, “but for him, it’s only the start also.” The midfielder played his part as Spurs survived on the final day, though he later conceded he hadn’t yet shown fans what he could truly offer. Now, with pre-season underway and a new campaign looming, he believes the moment has arrived to deliver.
De Zerbi’s demands are well documented, yet Gallagher frames the adjustment as a positive. “With me, it was just a confidence thing mainly and slightly a physical thing, which you get from just playing more games,” he explained. “I wasn’t really used to that at that time.” The manager’s willingness to trust him—even in high-pressure moments—has visibly changed Gallagher’s demeanour. Where once there was uncertainty, there is now purpose.
Romero’s exit talks add urgency to Spurs’ defensive reshuffle
That urgency is magnified by developments off the pitch. Atletico Madrid have held talks over a move for Cristian Romero, the club captain who signed a new four-year deal last August but is now expected to leave this summer. Inter Milan have also registered interest, yet Atlético’s pursuit—led by Diego Simeone—remains the most concrete. Spurs are aware of the situation and, according to reports, personal terms would not be an obstacle. De Zerbi has already stated he would “respect the will” of players if they sought exits, leaving the club to balance squad harmony with commercial reality.
Romero’s absence would create significant challenges. The Argentina international played every match in his country’s World Cup final run, though he missed the closing stages of Spurs’ season with a knee injury. His disciplinary record—two red cards last term—also underscored the volatility he brought. Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven is closing in on a new five-year deal, offering some stability at the back. Yet the Romero saga injects urgency into De Zerbi’s defensive planning, particularly as pre-season fixtures like Chelsea vs Tottenham in pre-season LIVE! approach.
The tactical puzzle: how De Zerbi rebuilds around uncertainty
De Zerbi’s system demands technical midfielders who can dictate tempo and press aggressively, traits Gallagher now embodies under the new regime. The manager’s preference for a high line and positional rotations requires midfielders who can cover ground and recycle possession efficiently. Gallagher’s ability to thrive in such an environment has been the difference between a forgotten January signing and a player with a genuine future at the club.
Yet the tactical picture is complicated by Romero’s potential departure. The centre-back’s aggression and aerial dominance have masked defensive frailties in the past, and his loss would force De Zerbi to recalibrate. Van de Ven’s contract extension provides one solution, but the Spurs hierarchy must also consider whether to reinvest Romero’s proceeds or gamble on internal options. The club’s transfer strategy this summer—whether to prioritise defensive depth or offensive firepower—will define their trajectory in a congested top-four race.
Gallagher’s resurgence offers a template for how De Zerbi can blend experience with youth. The midfielder’s willingness to embrace the manager’s intensity and his improved physical conditioning suggest he can become a cornerstone. But the club’s ability to retain key players and recruit shrewdly will determine whether this Spurs side can finally move beyond survival narratives.
For Gallagher, the narrative is simple: “Hopefully, this is only the start of my Spurs career.” The stage is set for him to prove it.