Matt Ritchie return to Portsmouth on the cards amid Newcastle United transfer development – report
Former Portsmouth man Matt Ritchie is keen on a return to Fratton Park following his release by Newcastle United, according to BBC Sport journalist Chris Wise.
In a post on X [29 May], Wise claims Ritchie is eager to come back to Pompey before retirement, having had his departure from Tyneside confirmed.
The Scotland international graduated from Portsmouth’s academy and made his Premier League debut for the club in 2010, before playing for Swindon Town, AFC Bournemouth and lastly Newcastle.
Wise shared: “Matt Ritchie released by Newcastle. He’s got a desire to play for boyhood club Portsmouth again before he retires, so keep an eye on that one this summer. Not saying it’s definitely happening, but it’s got some mileage in it.
“Ritchie would have to accept an enormous drop in wages if he were to join Pompey. And that might not be a figure either party can reach an agreement on. If it happens, it needs [John] Mousinho to see him in his Championship plans, and Ritchie to sign because of [his] love for [the] club.”
Could a Ritchie homecoming at Portsmouth be on the cards?
It was reported around a fortnight ago that Portsmouth would not be considering Ritchie this summer, viewing the deal as a non-starter due mainly to the two reasons outlined by Wise.
Whilst the 34-year-old will be forced to take a significant wage cut from his eight years at St. James’ Park, he will undoubtedly receive more lucrative financial offers than Pompey can currently offer.
The second hurdle is whether Mousinho would be able to fit the veteran wide man into his plans – Ritchie would hold little to no sell-on value as Portsmouth attempt to establish themselves as a Championship club – and we have already witnessed the ruthlessness in Pompey’s squad assembly with much-adored players being shown the door.
But if there is a way for the versatile left-sided player to have an effect both on the pitch and in the dressing room, it’s definitely one worth exploring for the Blues – particularly if Ritchie is willing to heavily slash his pay and pull on his local club’s shirt once again.
You would think it’s now or never if he is to make an emotional return to the club, and the admirable professional that he is, he won’t be short of suitors regardless of his age.
In other Portsmouth news, Matt Le Tissier has fired a shot at Pompey on social media after Southampton’s promotion.
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