Tottenham Hotspur have announced the surprise news that they have terminated the contract of Matt Doherty in order to enable the defender to join Atletico Madrid on deadline day – and Paul Robinson has responded on Twitter.
It is a bizarre turn of events. Doherty, 31, was expected to join Spanish side Atletico Madrid on loan. Djed Spence has left to join Rennes on loan until the summer, with Spurs expected to announce the arrival of Pedro Porro.
But, a hiccup in terms of Doherty joining Atleti on loan. With Spence going to Rennes, Spurs have eight on loan at overseas clubs. The limit any club is allowed to do. One more is a breach of a FIFA law regarding overseas loans.
Tanguy Ndombele (Napoli), Gio Lo Celso (Villarreal), Bryan Gil (Sevilla), Spence and Rodon (Rennes), Harry Winks (Sampdoria), Sergio Reguilon (Atleti) and Destiny Udogie (Udinese). It means Doherty could not join Atleti on loan.
So, to get a move over the line for Doherty, Spurs have agreed to cancel his contract – which had entered the final 18 months. Atleti have since confirmed Doherty has joined until the summer. Ex-Spurs stopper Robinson reacted.
Paul Robinson responds as Tottenham terminate Matt Doherty contract
A bizarre move – but Spurs were actually, pushed into a corner with this one. It is believed the realisation that Spurs were breaking a rule only came late on. Doherty was ready to join Atletico Madrid, and Atleti ready to sign him.
So, the only way to get a deal done was by cancelling his contract and allowing Atleti to sign him on a free. It might be that Atleti have contributed to the compensation of cancelling his deal. What is also interesting, is his new deal.
Just six months at Atletico Madrid, until the end of the season. It is unclear if Diego Simeone’s side have the option to extend that deal. But the Ireland star will be paraded to his new club’s fans on Wednesday, after deadline day.
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