Simon Jordan is ‘surprised’ that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid would consider signing Matt Doherty with the Irishman struggling for minutes at Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, speaking to talkSPORT (31 January, 10am).
Four years ago, Diego Simeone jumped at the opportunity to sign Kieran Trippier from the North London outfit.
Doherty, however, feels like a very different situation. Trippier was still a key part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad back in 2019, and one of the most technically-gifted full-backs on European football.
In short, he was a top-class player joining a top-class club. Doherty, in contrast, feels like a classic case of ‘falling upwards’.
“It does surprise me that Doherty, who has not set the world alight, is a target (for Atletico Madrid),” former Crystal Palace owner Jordan admits.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty is joining Atletico Madrid
According to the Daily Mail, Doherty will join Atletico on loan until the summer. Tottenham spent around £15 million to sign the 31-year-old from Wolves back in 2020. Doherty has started fewer than 30 Premier League games in that time; Antonio Conte preferring Emerson Royal due to the Brazilian’s tendency to hug the touchline and stretch the pitch as wide as possible.
Jordan does point out, however, that the relationship between Tottenham and Atletico is likely to be a key reason why Los Colchoneros have turned to Doherty on deadline day. Like a decade ago – when Spurs and Real Madrid exchanged a handful of players – Tottenham and Atletico are comfortable bedfellows as far as the transfer market goes.
In addition to Trippier, fellow full-back Sergio Reguilon also left North London for the Spanish capital.
Doherty out, Pedro Porro in
Doherty’s departure comes as Tottenham close in on Pedro Porro; their number one right-back target. The former Manchester City youngster arrives from Sporting Lisbon on an initial loan deal. Should he earn a permanent contract, Porro will set Spurs back around £44 million.
“Pedro Porro, for me, is what we need,” the Spurs-supporting former Newcastle United midfielder Darren Ambrose tells talkSPORT. “I think, the right-back position, we’ve not really got it right since the Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier.”
“I was watching clips of him, and he just looks exciting. His delivery looks fantastic. I think if Harry Kane is seeing that, he’ll be licking his lips thinking; ‘If I can get some of those crosses that he puts in, I’m going to get a few goals’.
“I’d be delighted with (Porro). The right-side has struggled in recent years. Hopefully we can get that one over the line.”
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