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22nd Apr 2023

Premier League duo seeking to end Matt Doherty’s Atlético Madrid nightmare

Rory Fleming

Doherty has made just one substitute appearance since his January arrival at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Ireland full back Matt Doherty looks set for a return to the Premier League, just six months after leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid.

Signing on a free transfer on the final day of the January window, Doherty has gone on to make just one substitute appearance for the Spanish side in La Liga.

Matt DohertyDoherty made his sole appearance as a 78th minute substitute against Sevilla. (Credit: Getty Images)

With his club action limited to just 12 minutes over the last four months, his only starts have come in the green of Ireland against Latvia and France during last month’s international break.

Stuck behind Argentinian World Cup winning right back Nahuel Molina and versatile Spanish international Marcus Llorente, the Dublin-born defender has found himself warming the bench as Atléti chase down city rivals Real, who sit two points above them in La Liga.

Having only signed an initial six month contract, Doherty is now on the look-out for a new club ahead of next season, with his current squad role untenable for a player taking on a leading role for his national side.

According to 90min, two Premier League sides in Wolves and Crystal Palace have emerged as potential suitors, with both sides in need of defensive reinforcements.

Matt DohertyDoherty spent almost a decade at Wolves, helping them reach the Premier League. (Credit: Getty Images)

Doherty already spent almost a decade at Molineux, prior to his £15 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2020.

It is also reported that the recently-promoted pairing of both Burnley and Sheffield United are keen to add Doherty’s Premier League experience to their ranks ahead of their impending return to the top flight.

With Doherty available on a free transfer, there is every possibility that even more sides emerge to contest for the signature of the former Bohemians right back.

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