The key role this Newcastle United star played in shock deadline day move

Matt Doherty has revealed he took advice from Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier before securing a surprise transfer deadline day move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

The Magpies full-back made the same move in the summer of 2019 as he swapped life at Tottenham Hotspur for a crack at La Liga with Diego Simeone’s side and he went on to enjoy a successful two and a half year stint in the Spanish capital.

Trippier’s final full season working under the former Argentina international saw him play a pivotal role in helping Atleti secure a first La Liga title since 2014 as they held off the challenge of bitter rivals Real Madrid to top the table at the end of the campaign.

The England defender returned to the Premier League less than a year after becoming a league winner in Spain and has become integral to Newcastle’s plans for progress into a consistent challenger for major honours over the coming years.

Doherty will hope to make a similar impact at Atleti after he initially agreed to a loan spell in Spain before Spurs were forced to cancel his contract to allow the move to progress as they were unable to sanction another international loan. The Republic of Ireland star never played alongside Trippier during his time in North London but he revealed the Magpies star was willing to offer advice on life in Madrid before his own deal was confirmed.

He told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo: “Everything happened so fast. Once I received word that it was possible, it was extremely difficult to turn down an opportunity to come and play for this club.

“Just from what I’ve heard from people like Trippier, I’m very excited. With the way in which he said Simeone trains, and the players play, I realised I would really have fun here. He talked to me about how much I’d enjoy playing here, and living in the city.”

Doherty is yet to make his Atleti debut but could get an opportunity on Sunday evening as the suspended Stefan Savic is set to miss his side’s home game against Athletic Bilbao.