A surprising FIFA-like transfer. Irishman Doherty heads to Atlético Madrid

This transfer surprised many a football fan. Matt Doherty leaves Tottenham and goes on loan to Atlético Madrid, with whom he hasn’t been associated in the slightest.

It’s a bit reminiscent of the popular game FIFA and its career mode, where random transfers happen on the last day of the transfer window that probably wouldn’t happen in real life.

In addition, Doherty will become only the fourth Irishman in La Liga history. John Aldridge played for Real Sociedad in 1989-91, Ian Harte played for Levante for 3 seasons (2004-2007). Michael Robinson spent two years at Osasuna.

Until this morning, no one had even thought of linking Matt Doherty with Atlético Madrid. However, the Colchoneros often manage to keep their transfers secret and the information only comes out when everything is done, like last year with Reinfield.

Doherty has paid the price for Tottenham’s new signing. Spurs are in fact completing the transfer of Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon. At the same time, Emerson Royal has been given priority in the squad.

Atlético Madrid’s world champion with Argentina, Nahuel Molina, has a solid position on the right flank of the lineup. But he has virtually no replacement for himself, if he is not available, Simeone resorts to a 3-5-2 formation with Marcos Llorente at right halfback.

Doherty will thus be an alternative to Molina, but Atlético Madrid have dropped out of the European Cups and the Copa del Rey, leaving only La Liga.

Doherty comes to Madrid on a six-month loan without a transfer option. He is expected to undergo a transfer inspection this afternoon.

Source: Fabrizio Romano, Twitter