One footballer could join Portsmouth this summer after Newcastle decided not to renew his contract.
Pompey are on the rise under John Mousinho, following their promotion to the Championship as League One champions. After being released by Newcastle, an experienced player may join Portsmouth and help them thrive in the Championship.
Portsmouth could sign Matt Ritchie following Newcastle’s release.
According to Chris Wise of the BBC, Matt Ritchie could join Portsmouth after his contract with Newcastle expires.
The Scotland international graduated from Portsmouth’s academy in 2008, having joined the club as a 13-year-old in 2002, and might potentially return to his hometown. Wise wrote: “Newcastle has released Matt Ritchie. He wants to play for his boyhood club Portsmouth again before retiring, so keep an eye on that this summer. I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but it has potential.” The Newcastle No.11, who will become a free agent if he does not find a new club by July 1st, has made 215 appearances for the Magpies since coming from Bournemouth for £10 million in July 2016.
Ritchie, 34, would be an important addition for Portsmouth considering his extensive experience in the Championship.
The Gosport native has made 123 Championship games in his career, scoring 36 goals and giving 28 assists en route to two Championship titles.
According to Wise, Ritchie, who currently earns £44,000 a week at Newcastle, will need to take a significant pay reduction if he joins Portsmouth. The BBC Sport correspondent went on to say that if Ritchie joins Pompey, he will have to accept a significant pay cut. And it’s possible that neither party can agree on that figure. If it happens, it requires a) Mousinho to include him in his Championship ambitions and b) Ritchie to sign out of love for the club.” Clearly, a lot has to happen for this agreement to become a reality, but it’s an interesting story for Portsmouth fans to follow this summer.
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