Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to loan Matt Doherty to Atletico Madrid. The Irish international is set to move to the Spanish capital after the North London club agreed to a deal for Sporting Lisbon right-back Pedro Porro. Spurs’ busy deadline day continues as they aim to overhaul their defensive lineup.
Matt Doherty to Join Atletico Madrid on Loan
Atlético Madrid are set to sign Matt Doherty on loan deal from Tottenham, here we go! Agreement in place — no buy option clause included. 🚨⚪️🔴 #Atléti #THFC
Medical booked for Doherty who’s set to leave as Porro will join Tottenham — first call, @marca. pic.twitter.com/k07mYlCiuU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2023
Tottenham’s Changes at Right Wing-Back in the January Window
Antonio Conte has made some major changes to the right-back/right-wing-back position this month. Per Romano, Porro has medicals booked ahead of a proposed loan move from Sporting Lisbon.
Read More: ‘Done, Sealed. It Won’t Collapse’: Romano Confirms Tottenham Hotspur Revive Deal to Sign 14 G/a Star
22-year-old Englishman Djed Spence is all set to join Ligue 1 side Rennes on loan from the Lilywhites. In addition to this, former Wolverhampton Wanderers man Doherty has reportedly agreed on a move to La Liga.
Doherty’s Struggles at North London
The 31-year-old defender has not had consistent playing time since signing for Tottenham in 2020. He has made sporadic appearances under managers Nuno Espirito Santo and Conte, despite the former being his manager at Wolves for three years.
Doherty has made 44 appearances for The Lilywhites in his two-and-a-half-year spell and has contributed with three goals and six assists. Moreover, he has consistently been benched in favour of Brazilian defender Emerson Royal, who was brought in from Barcelona last season.
What Next for Doherty?
The Irishman will be hoping to make a good impression on Diego Simeone, Atletico’s manager. The Argentinian coach could be looking to play Doherty as a right-back to allow Spanish international Marcos Llorente to play in his preferred midfield position. However, the Spurs loanee will have to compete with World Cup winner, Nahuel Molina for a spot in the starting lineup.
