Pundit ‘surprised’ by ‘expected’ Doherty transfer after Tottenham report
Tottenham defender Matt Doherty will have no shortage of suitors in the January transfer window, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Sunderland and Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said “it just hasn’t worked” for the 29-year-old in north London.
Doherty has struggled for game time this season – his six starts have come exclusively in cup competitions.
According to The Athletic (22 December), Antonio Conte is willing to let Doherty and Dele Alli leave in order to raise transfer transfers.
Doherty is under contract with Spurs until the summer of 2024.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Doherty’s future, Phillips said: “I have to say I was surprised when the lad moved to Tottenham.
“I thought he did well to get a move there even though he is a good player. Did he suit Spurs at that time? Not in my opinion.
“It just hasn’t worked. When you look at the players Conte has in that area now I don’t think he’s needed.
“He is a solid player who will fit into a lot of Premier League teams so I don’t think there will be a shortage of suitors. I expect him to now move on in January. He is a good, attacking full-back so he’ll be in demand, I’m sure.”
Doherty has made nine appearances across all competitions this season and last started the 2-1 EFL Cup win over West Ham last Wednesday.
Emerson Royal is currently Conte’s first choice right wing-back.
In other news, a pundit has suggested the secret behind Dier’s ‘transformation’ under Conte at Tottenham.