Get ready for a thrilling debate, football fans! The big question on everyone's mind is: Can Tottenham's new signings, Conor Gallagher and Souza, join the Champions League squad? Let's dive into this exciting topic and uncover the answers together!
The Battle for Champions League Glory
Tottenham Hotspur is gearing up for some major additions to their team, with Conor Gallagher and Souza set to join the ranks. But here's where it gets controversial: can these new players be a part of the Champions League squad?
As of January 13, 2026, Tottenham is preparing to welcome these two talented individuals, and the Spurs supporters are eager to know if they can make an impact in Europe's premier club competition.
The Medical and the Move
Conor Gallagher, a £34.7 million signing from Atletico Madrid, is undergoing his medical at Hotspur Way on Tuesday, while 19-year-old left-back Souza is expected to arrive in England on Wednesday, with a £13 million move from Santos awaiting finalization.
Champions League Challenges
Spurs have two crucial Champions League games coming up: a home match against Borussia Dortmund on January 20 and an away fixture against Frankfurt on January 28. The question remains: can Gallagher or Souza feature in these matches? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The squads for the league phase are already set.
Some fans might hold out hope for a UEFA rule that allowed Tottenham to bring in Mathys Tel last month to replace an injured player. However, this rule only applies if a player has been ill or injured for 60 days, and it can only be used up until the sixth game of the league phase, which has already passed.
A Glimmer of Hope
The good news is that if Spurs, currently sitting 11th in the table, manage to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, both Gallagher and Souza can be included in Thomas Frank's squad for those rounds. Tottenham will have the opportunity to make three changes to their squad when submitting their list for the knockout stages by 11 p.m. on February 5.
The Group Stage Advantage
Here's an interesting twist: players who have already featured in the group stages of any European competition can be added to the squad, even if they've played for another team. This means Gallagher, who has appeared six times and scored once in the Champions League for Atletico this season, can still be included in Spurs' squad, potentially replacing another player.
The Squad Limit Conundrum
The catch? Tottenham is currently six players over the squad limit for the Champions League. To understand this fully, you can delve into the details here. In a nutshell, if Gallagher and Souza are to play in the competition should Spurs progress, two current players will have to be left out.
So, Spurs fans, what do you think? Will Gallagher and Souza make it into the Champions League squad? And if so, who do you think will be the unlucky players to miss out? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
