Conor Gallagher to be one of Everton’s all-time highest-paid players if deal gets done after transfer news
Everton are in a long queue of Premier League clubs wanting to sign Conor Gallagher in January.
Gallagher has been linked with a move to Everton as he grows increasingly unhappy over his lack of game time at Atletico Madrid.
The 25-year-old has made 67 appearances under Diego Simeone since he arrived in 2024, although he has only started two La Liga matches this season.
The former Chelsea midfielder has set his sights on getting back into the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and moving back to the Premier League would be hugely beneficial.
Gallagher would be a hugely ambitious signing for the Toffees, but if he were to join, he would eclipse Jordan Pickford as Everton’s highest-paid player of all time.
Conor Gallagher to earn far more than Jordan Pickford at Everton
Everton fans are buoyant under David Moyes at the moment, and it’s clear this team can achieve brilliant things this season.
Everton are looking for a first top-half finish in the Premier League since 2020-21, and the January transfer window could be a huge opportunity for them to strengthen that goal.
A permanent deal is expected to cost at least £35million, and the 25-year-old’s own preference to play for a top side in European competition narrows the likelihood of him joining.
According to The Telegraph, Gallagher signed a contract that saw him earn up to £200,000-a-week when he moved to Atletico Madrid in 2024.
If he were to sign for the Toffees, he would likely command a similar wage, something which Everton could not really afford to do.
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
| West Brom | 32 | 2 |
| Crystal Palace | 39 | 8 |
| Chelsea | 95 | 10 |
| Atletico Madrid | 67 | 6 |
Pickford is likely to be Everton’s current highest earner, but reports online speculate he’s on around £150,000-a-week, meaning Gallagher would break the wage structure if he moves to L4.
Pickford has been excellent this season, and he thoroughly warrants his current wage based on recent performances.
Gallagher has an abundance of experience at the top level, and Everton will need to fork out a lot of money if they want to bring the star over to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A central midfielder shouldn’t be at the top of the shopping list as issues continue to persist at right-back and up front.
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Who is Everton’s highest-earning player of all time?
James Rodriguez reportedly earned £220,000-a-week when he was on the books at Goodison Park between 2020 and 2021, according to The Guardian.
Jonathan Liew claimed that made him “the highest-paid player in the club’s history”.
Pickford’s current contract is likely the biggest one at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with spending drastically reduced since the days of Rodriguez being on Merseyside due to PSR restrictions.
Rodriguez joined Al-Rayyan from Everton in 2021, and still earned £215,000-a-week there.
Everton have for pressing areas of the team they need to address
Everton’s strikers have scored one Premier League goal combined this season, and that is simply not good enough for any team in the top flight.
Thierno Barry was incredible against Man United, and his performance leads to the increasing likelihood that Beto will be sold in January.
Another pressing issue is the right side of defence, with Jake O’Brien filling in for the majority of the season.
With teams aware of Everton’s weaknesses, they’ll have to pay a premium to secure the services of any transfer targets.
Unfortunately for supporters, this throws the deal for Gallagher into huge uncertainty.
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