Agbonlahor: Aston Villa 'Dodged a Bullet' Not Signing Conor Gallagher in January

Aston Villa were praised for missing out on Conor Gallagher after his struggles at Spurs; Villa instead re-signed Douglas Luiz. Betting angle: punters should be wary of backing Gallagher for match-winner or influence markets until he regains form, while Villa’s midfield stability could shorten odds for Villa to keep clean sheets or win upcoming league matches.

Agbonlahor: Villa 'dodged a bullet' by not signing Conor Gallagher

Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed Aston Villa avoided a costly mistake by failing to secure Conor Gallagher in the January window. The former Villa striker criticised Gallagher’s recent form after the England international completed a high-profile move to Tottenham in the winter transfer period.

Gallagher’s tough start at Spurs

Gallagher made a reported £35m move to London and signed a long-term contract reportedly worth around £200,000 a week. Since the transfer, Spurs have struggled for form in 2026 and suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Arsenal. Gallagher’s individual performances have come under scrutiny, prompting Agbonlahor to declare Villa “dodged a bullet” and liken him to a “shadow of his former self.”

Why Villa are relieved

Villa were linked with Gallagher after injury setbacks to key midfielders, but instead re-signed Brazil international Douglas Luiz on loan with an option to buy. Luiz has impressed alongside Amadou Onana, contributing assists and stabilising the engine room. By avoiding a big-money, long-term commitment, Villa retained flexibility to revisit the market if midfield depth remains an issue.

Transfer strategy and squad impact

The loan-with-option structure for Luiz reduces immediate financial exposure and keeps Villa agile in the summer window. If Luiz maintains form, Villa can exercise the option; if not, they can explore alternatives without being tied to a large permanent fee. That pragmatic approach contrasts with the risk of signing Gallagher to a long contract amid a downturn in form.

Betting implications for punters

Gallagher’s early struggles and Spurs’ recent results suggest caution for bettors backing him in match-winner, goal-in-play, or man-of-the-match markets until form improves.

Conversely, Villa’s midfield reinforcement via Luiz and the avoidance of a big transfer gamble could make Villa a more attractive short-term option in win or clean-sheet markets.

Markets may also reflect shorter odds for Spurs’ next fixtures while questions persist over their midfield cohesion.

Potential midfield targets to watch

Clubs seeking midfield reinforcement have been linked with creative, high-energy options such as Pavel Šulc and emerging ball-carriers like Alex Scott. Šulc offers more end product and goal threat, while Scott fits a progressive technical profile. Šulc is viewed by some as a ready-made attacking option with immediate impact potential.

Man City Star James Trafford Wants to Join Aston Villa Instead of Newcastle

Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Aston Villa 'dodged a bullet' by not signing a £200,000-a-week dud in January.

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