Spurs have allowed Matt Doherty to join Atletico Madrid – starting a whole chain of linked transfers.
The Irish defender will move to the Spanish capital on loan until the end of the season. According to BBC Sport, there is no buy option included in this deal.
Doherty had fallen behind Emerson Royal in the pecking order at Spurs, and thus had become surplus to requirements. He had made 16 appearances so far this campaign.
At Atletico, he will compete for a starting spot with the likes of Nahuel Molina and Marcos Llorente. Doherty is more accustomed to a wing-back role – a position that Diego Simeone likes to use frequently in his 3/5 back defensive variations.
The Irishman follows former teammate Sergio Reguilon to Madrid from North London. Reguilon joined Atleti last summer on a season-long loan from Tottenham.
Another contributing factor to Matt Doherty joining Atletico Madrid is Spurs’ latest move in the transfer market. Interestingly, they have his replacement ready and waiting.
Matt Doherty to Atletico Madrid enables move for Pedro Porro
Antonio Conte’s side seems to be finally reaching the end of one of the more protracted sagas of this transfer window. Despite previous claims that the move was off, Spurs are closing in on Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro.
The Spaniard will move to North London on an initial loan deal worth £5 million, per Sky Sports. This transfer will also have the option to buy the player, which could take the total fee to £39 million.
As part of the agreement, Tottenham are also surrendering a percentage of their sell-on clause which they have on Marcus Edwards. The ex-Spurs youngster currently plays for Sporting after moving to Portuguese football a few years ago.
But, to secure Porro, Tottenham will reduce their 50% sell-on cut to 35%, per HITC.
Pedro Porro will likely fit perfectly into Conte’s 3-4-2-1 system. Whilst still a useful defender, the wing-back’s attacking ability stands out most. He has accumulated three goals and 11 assists from 26 games this season – showing his heavy involvement in forward play.
As a result of his exit from Lisbon, another transfer could be completed on Deadline Day.
Hector Bellerin set to replace Porro at Sporting
Former Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin is reportedly nearing a move to Estadio Jose Alvalade. He is currently on the books of Barcelona after moving to Camp Nou in the summer.
However, the Spaniard has not worked his way into Xavi’s plans. He has made just seven appearances in 2022/23 and is clearly down the full-back pecking order. Therefore, Bellerin is set to leave after less than a year at Barca.
Like the aforementioned transfers, Bellerin should join Sporting via a loan deal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the move is down to the final contract details between Barcelona and the Liga Portugal side.
The ex-Gunner’s imminent move completes a trio of chain reaction transfers. In particular, Matt Doherty to Atletico is peak Deadline Day: who knew that move would happen when they woke up this morning?
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