---
title: "Tottenham: Spurs players ‘left shocked’ by Matt Doherty exit"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-spurs-players-left-shocked-by-matt-doherty-exit/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League News"
published: "2023-02-02T21:07:40Z"
modified: "2023-02-02T21:07:40Z"
---

# Tottenham: Spurs players ‘left shocked’ by Matt Doherty exit

**Members of the [Tottenham](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/) squad were ‘left shocked’ by news that former defender Matt Doherty departed permanently on deadline day.**

### The Lowdown: Doherty joins Atletico…

The Republic of Ireland international, in a dramatic late deadline day twist, joined La Liga giants Atletico Madrid on a six-month permanent deal.

Spurs and the player [mutually agreed](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64478382) to the termination of his Lilywhites deal after the club used up their maximin quota of eight squad members they could loan abroad.

[FIFA rules](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64478382) say only eight can be on temporary deals in Europe at one time, giving the [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) side no choice but to cancel Doherty’s contract.

### The Latest: Spurs players ‘shocked’…

According to reliable journalist[Alasdair Gold,](https://twitter.com/AlasdairGold/status/1620712927794970624) some members of the Spurs squad were left ‘shocked’ after news of Doherty’s permanent exit to Atletico.

He explained:

*“Understand Matt Doherty’s Spurs team-mates were left shocked when they heard about the sudden change in his situation on Tuesday.”*

\[freshpress-quiz id=”419177″\]

### The Verdict: Shame…

The 31-year-old, at points during Antonio Conte’s reign, had enjoyed some brilliant performances – most notably [toward the back end of last season](https://thisisfutbol.com/2022/03/blogs/premier-league/tottenham-hotspur/tottenham-hotspur-sky-sports-reporter-praises-outstanding-matt-doherty/) and before his 2021/2022 injury.

However, this campaign he was [largely second-choice](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/30/Show/England-Tottenham) to Emerson Royal in the right-wing-back position.

Doherty’s deal was also set to expire in 2024, meaning Spurs were faced with the looming task of deciding his long-term future at the club.

It was perhaps inevitable that the former Wolves star would depart N17 sooner rather than later and one regret Tottenham will have is not acquiring a small fee for his services.

Doherty joined the club from Molineux in 2020 as one of former manager Jose Mourinho’s very first signings but now leaves Spurs in a very surprise fashion just under three years later.