Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid, beating Aston Villa to secure the England midfielder’s return to the Premier League.

The former Chelsea player has joined Spurs on a long-term deal after spending 18 months in Spain. Tottenham are expected to pay in excess of £34 million for Gallagher, who has been a long-standing target across multiple transfer windows.

Gallagher will wear the number 22 shirt in north London. He had appeared close to joining Aston Villa, with Unai Emery’s side advancing talks over a loan move that included an obligation to buy, before Spurs moved decisively to finalise the deal.

“I’m so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club,” Gallagher said in a statement released by Tottenham.

“I wanted to be a Spurs player, and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy — it happened very quickly — and I’m ready to get on the pitch.

“I know how great the fans are. I’m really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together.”

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou welcomed the signing, highlighting Gallagher’s experience and energy.

“Conor is a top midfielder who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad,” Postecoglou said. “He is still young, so there is plenty of room for improvement, but he also brings huge experience from the Premier League, LaLiga and the England national team.

“I’m excited to work with him every day, and I know the fans will love what he brings to the team.”

Spurs were pushed into the midfield market after learning that Rodrigo Bentancur will be sidelined for around three months with a hamstring injury, increasing the urgency to reinforce their squad.

Gallagher joined Atlético Madrid in August 2024 and went on to make 77 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals. However, he managed just four starts in LaLiga this season.

The move is also likely to boost Gallagher’s hopes of earning a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer, having been omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s most recent selection. The midfielder has won 22 caps for his country, with his last appearance coming in the 3-1 defeat to Senegal over the summer.