The January market brings a potential boost for Atlético de Madrid, with the club reportedly eyeing a familiar name from England to reinforce the squad during the winter window.
The Irish right back from Tottenham Hotspur, Matt Doherty, stands out as the primary option discussed by Marca, which indicates that the move could proceed soon. His current deal with Spurs runs through June 30, 2024, and there is speculation he could join Atlético on a loan that would extend until June 30, 2023, providing the mattress club with a swift solution on the right flank. This potential arrival is seen by Atlético as a chance to stabilize the position and relieve Nahuel Molina, who has been handling duties on the right wing for Argentina as well as club duties.
Matt Doherty at Tottenham Hotspur
In the current season, Doherty has appeared in 16 matches and logged 878 minutes, contributing one goal. His role with the Republic of Ireland has seen him earn a place as a full international, starting all four of his appearances for his national team. While his natural profile is that of a right winger, he can be deployed higher up the pitch, or even on the left, giving managers a flexible option across the frontline. The player is represented by Jorge Mendes, a factor that often influences transfer dynamics and negotiations.
Doherty’s trajectory
Doherty’s career path includes time with clubs in his native Ireland and across Europe. He began at Bohemian and then moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in England, before a stint with Hibernian in Scotland and later Bury. Tottenham signed him in 2020 for a transfer fee reported in the mid-teens of millions of euros. The current discussions point toward a potential loan arrangement with Atlético de Madrid, a move that could realign his career trajectory and provide the Spanish club with immediate depth on the right side of the attack.
In this evolving market, Atlético is balancing wage structures, squad needs, and the long-term plan for the season. The implications of adding a player with Doherty’s versatility and international experience could extend beyond immediate firepower, shaping tactical options and competition for places in the squad. The potential loan deal would allow managers to assess fit with the team’s pressing style, defensive duties, and ability to contribute in European competition, while offering the player a new competitive environment to showcase his adaptability.
These developments come as Atlético continues to evaluate options that align with their January window strategy, seeking to strengthen depth on the right flank and to maintain a competitive edge across domestic and continental fixtures. The move would also reflect a broader trend in the league toward leveraging players with international experience who can step into multiple roles as required by the tactical setup.
Credit: Goal