Matt Doherty has left Tottenham Hotspur to join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer until the end of the season with the north London club mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.
Doherty was expected to leave on loan earlier in the day but with Spurs having eight players now out on international loans, the limit in FIFA rules, they had to end the Irishman's contract, which ran until 2024, in order for him to complete the move. The right wing-back's switch to the Spanish capital will give him the opportunity to feature regularly after finding himself in and out of Antonio Conte's team this term.
Already in a fight with Emerson Royal for the right wing-back berth, the player would have also had Pedro Porro to contend with for the position if he had remained in north London beyond Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline. Doherty isn't the only right wing-back to depart Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on deadline day as Djed Spence has joined Rennes on loan until the end of the season.
The Republic of Ireland international's switch to the Metropolitano Stadium will see him reunite with Tottenham teammate Sergio Reguilon after the left-back joined Diego Simeone's side on loan back in August.
READ MORE: Tottenham's Pedro Porro Sporting CP loan agreement as Spurs close in on deadline day deal
Wanting to strengthen their right flank in the winter transfer market, Atletico did make a loan move for Spence but the England Under-21 ace turned down the chance to head to Spain. Instead, he decided on a move to Rennes with more regular first-team football on offer for him.
Making 16 appearances for Tottenham this season, Doherty's only goal of the campaign came in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at the start of the month. His debut for the La Liga side could come on Saturday evening when they host Getafe at the Metropolitano.
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