Darren Bent says Matt Doherty has ‘won the lottery’ after he left Tottenham Hotspur on transfer deadline day to join Atletico Madrid, as he told talkSPORT (01/02/23).
The 31-year-old had his contract terminated at Spurs, before joining Atletico on a six-month deal, as Bent added that was the ‘most bizarre signing’ of the window.
It probably wouldn’t have been a surprise to many if Doherty left north London because Antonio Conte was bringing Pedro Porro to the club.
But it was a late surprise from Daniel Levy when Doherty, not only joined Diego Simeone’s side, but saw his contract at the club terminated after joining from Wolves in 2020.
Ever since Kieran Tripper left the club for Atletico, that right-back spot has been a problem area, hence why a total of four players have been used in that spot, including player number five coming in, Porro.
Nonetheless, when discussing the January transfer window, Bent explained what category he puts the Doherty deal in.
“My most bizarre signing, it’s someone leaving the Premier League,” said Bent. “Matt Doherty and how it happened.
“He’s going on-loan to Atletico, they say ‘no’, so Spurs go ‘we will terminate his contract, so he can sign for you permanently’.
“He has woken up and he can’t believe his luck. He was initially going on loan, which was bonkers in itself – that move, he wasn’t deemed good enough for Spurs and he’s gone to Atletico Madrid. He’s won the lottery. “
DOHERTY TO EARN A LONGER CONTRACT?
It was a mixed time for Doherty at Spurs, with more downs than ups, regarding his performances.
It’s going to be interesting to see how he fairs for an Atleitoc side that were booted out of the group stages of the Champions League, before the World Cup and are now in a race to secure a top-four finish in La Liga.
If the versatile defender puts in performances at the club, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be handed an extended stay, but from playing against your Fulham’s, it’s now a clash against Getafe for Doherty at the weekend.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
