Atletico Madrid ‘choose’ to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty

Tottenham Hotspur’s Matt Doherty will become only the 10th player in La Liga history to hail from the Republic of Ireland once his imminent move to Atletico Madrid is completed.

As per Spanish outlet Marca, the Spurs right-back has been ‘chosen’ by Atletico Madrid to provide depth on the right-hand side of their defence after defender Felipe’s impending transfer to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Doherty is, hence, expected to provide competition to the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner at right-back. This is a win-win situation for everyone.

Spurs have gotten themselves an elite right-back in Pedro Porro on deadline day from Sporting CP. With his arrival, it is clear that Emerson Royal, Doherty, and Djed Spence would have seen reduced playing time.

Smart business

Hence, it only makes sense to let at least one of them leave on loan. Djed Spence has also decided to join Rennes on loan for the second half of the season, where he will join Joe Rodon in defence.

Doherty, 31, doesn’t have a lot of years left in his playing career at the very top. It’s important for him to play and see out the remainder of his playing days in a respectable manner – as it would be for any elite professional.

No one can hold this against him. He managed just 878 minutes of football across competitions this season and was rising in the pecking order since the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

But Porro’s arrival would have certainly put a cap on that. Potentially joining Atletico Madrid on loan is certainly a brilliant step in Doherty’s career given the status of the team and the level they play at.

He will be reunited with Sergio Reguilon there, who is also on loan with Los Colchoneros from Spurs until the end of the season.