Atletico Madrid confirm the shock free transfer signing of Matt Doherty after Tottenham agreed to TERMINATE the Irish defender's contract to comply with new FIFA rules over number of players allowed out on loan

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Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Matt Doherty, after Tottenham agreed to terminated the full back's contract.

Doherty has joined the Spanish giants on a short-term contract until the end of the season. Tottenham confirmed the 30-year-old's departure, after reaching an agreement to end his contract.

'We have mutually agreed to the termination of Matt Doherty's contract to enable him to join another club,' a Tottenham statement read. 

Tottenham terminated Matt Doherty's contract to allow the full back to join Atletico Madrid

'Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August, 2020, the Republic of Ireland international made 71 appearances for us in all competitions, scoring three goals. We should like to thank Matt for his service and wish him well for the future.'

The decision to terminate Doherty's contract rather than loaning the Irish international came due to FIFA rules, which only allow clubs to send out eight players on loan in a season.

Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele, Bryan Gil, Joe Rodon, Sergio Reguilon, Giovani Lo Celso, Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence had already left Spurs on a temporary basis, preventing Doherty from making a loan exit. 

Atletico Madrid confirmed Doherty signed his contract after successfully passing his medical earlier today. 'Matt Doherty is a new Red & White player!' the LaLiga club tweeted. 'The Irish international joins our club for the rest of the season.'

The 31-year-old Irish defender has now signed a contract with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid

Doherty will not be the first Tottenham right-back to join Atletico after Kieran Trippier made the same switch in 2019. Trippier returned to England to sign for Newcastle last year. 

The Irish international will join up with Reguilon, who is currently on a season loan from Spurs.

Doherty's exit follows news that Tottenham have finally reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon to sign their right-back Pedro Porro. 

Spurs have been pursuing Porro throughout January, and finally landed their man just before the 11pm deadline.