Republic of Ireland defender Matt Doherty Joins Atletico Madrid on a short-term contract. after his contract with Tottenham Hotspur was terminated by mutual consent

The 31-year-old has made a surprising move to La Liga. Spurs issued a statement saying both parties had agreed to move. “So he can join another club.”

Doherty’s departure was originally scheduled to be temporary. But that would require Tottenham to loan up to nine players, and FIFA’s limit to eight.

Doherty will become the first senior Ireland international to play in La Liga since Steve Finnan joined Espanyol in the 2008-09 season, signing a contract until the end of the season.

The Dubliner will be presented to the fans. tomorrow at the Civitas Metropolitano Auditorium from 11:30 Irish time.

Atletico currently sit fourth in the league table and are under Diego Simeone.

Doherty has moved in and out of Tottenham starting the 2022-23 season with a knee injury sustained in April last year. But the Irish full-back scored his first Premier League goal of the season in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at the start of January.

He has played just 44 times in the Premier League for Spurs since joining in 2020, enjoying his best time with the club last season under Antonio Conte. Injured towards the end of last season.

Previously, Kevin Moran (Sporting Gijon), Ian Hart (Levante) and Michael Robinson (Osasuna) all played in Spain, while John Aldri. Dodge is famous for managing Real Madrid. Sociedad for two years, Shamrock Rovers striker Alan Campbell and Liam Buckley both played at Racing de Santander in the mid-1980s.

“We have mutually agreed to terminate Matt Doherty’s contract so he can join another club,” said a Spurs statement.

“Signed from Wolverhampton. Wanderers in August 2020, the Republic of Ireland national team made 71 appearances for us in all competitions, scoring three goals.

“We want to thank Matt for his service. and wish him a good future.”

Shortly after Spurs announced the signing of right-back Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon, the 23-year-old Spaniard joined on loan until the end of the season with the obligation to make a permanent deal during the summer. hot

Meanwhile, UCD midfielder Dylan Duffy has joined League 1 side Lincoln City.

The 20-year-old picked up the Imps ahead of clubs in the Sky Bet Championship and League One after impressive performances for the students.

He spent a year with UCD after spending time in the Shamrock Rovers Academy.

Former Hoops player Danny Mandroiu is among the Irish players already at the club.

Imps’ director of football, Jez George, said: “First of all, I would like to thank UCD for the way they worked with us to provide Dylan with this opportunity. talent in ireland football education at the highest level in the country

“Their manager Andy Myler did a great job keeping their team in the Premier Division last season. By balancing what’s best for each individual and being able to compete in the league. Dylan’s progress is a testament to that.

“Dylan is a talented young player. Exciting offensive qualities and potential. which will make the fans of ours is thrilled when he transitions to full-time training. As he moves up to League One, we’ll give him time to do so. And look forward to the work he creates for us in the future.