The Express and Star reporter Nathan Judah has been discussing the transfer link between Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to one of the latest reports from The Guardian, the 28-year-old wing-back is ‘close’ to sealing a move to The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Supposedly, the deal will see the Old Gold receive an initial £12m for Doherty with the potential of a further £5m in add-ons.
With three years left on his current contract with Wolves, the Irish defender has a market value of £14.4m according to Transfermarkt.
In the latest episode of the E&S Wolves Podcast, Judah discussed the recent reports regarding Doherty’s supposed departure and shared his thoughts on them.
He said: “He’s 28 years old, right? He’s just celebrated 10 years at the club. [He’s] come through the academy. For me, he’s the second-best right wing-back in the country.
“Only Trent Alexander-Arnold, I think, is the number one but you look at everybody else in that Premier League and you look [at] how integral he is to Wolves – I’m not sure whether he will be as much to Spurs because they play a slightly different system.
“Especially in that wing-back role, where wing-backs are so important with Wolves, I’m staggered and I mean staggered.
“I put this out last night, I’d be stunned if he’s sold in that region because, for me, if on the same day that Ben Chilwell goes to Chelsea – albeit he’s a younger player and he’s a left-back – for £50m and then you’re quoting the second-best right wing-back in the country for £12m rising to £16m on add-ons or if they get in the Champions League or whatever…
“I’m staggered unless they’ve got an absolute superstar coming in.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what Judah had to say, he clearly believes that the fee which has been touted for the sale of Matt Doherty is far below what he perceives him to be worth.
Do you think Matt Doherty is worth more than the reported fee?
Yes, he's worth more
No, that's a good deal
Due to the fact that Doherty was Wolves’ fifth-best performer in the Premier League during the 2019/20 season after picking up a 6.99/10 average rating (per WhoScored), it is clear to see where Judah is coming from.
Furthermore, if the Irishman was to depart, it would leave the Old Gold with only young duo Oskar Buur and Luke Matheson as right-sided defenders (per Transfermarkt).
So, it will certainly be interesting to see how Nuno Espirito Santo replaces Doherty if he does make the switch to Spurs.