‘Matt Ritchie on the chopping block’ amid bombshell Portsmouth transfer news
Portsmouth’s recruitment team will be very busy behind the scenes now that the summer transfer window has opened.
The Blues did remarkably well to secure a 16th-place finish in the Championship this season, but it’s widely agreed that their squad needs strengthening.
It has been suggested that manager John Mousinho is keen to recruit a centre-midfielder, as well as a centre-half and perhaps a striker this summer.
However, a new report has suggested that Pompey’s first signing might be in a different position.
Jamal Lowe return could spell curtains for Matt Ritchie
Mousinho is interested in bringing former Portsmouth attacker Jamal Lowe back to Fratton Park.
That is according to EFL Analysis (6 June), who name Pompey as one of the clubs showing an interest in the attacker.
Lowe can play as a striker or on the wing, but his arrival would most likely be a threat to Matt Ritchie’s starting place in the Blues’ midfield.
A frontline of Colby Bishop as the main target man, with Lowe, Josh Murphy and Callum Lang supporting from deep, would be a tasty proposition.
However, that would leave Ritchie warming the bench as he enters the final year of his contract.
The 35-year-old was one of Pompey’s most consistent performers this season, but if Lowe signs, he will be an automatic starter.
Lowe would bring an extra threat to Blues attack
It has been widely agreed that Pompey should prioritise the signing of a centre-midfielder and a centre-half, given that they have lost the likes of Freddie Potts and Rob Atkinson, who excelled in these positions.
However, the signing of Lowe will excite Pompey fans a lot more.
Lowe was banging in the goals at Fratton Park back when the Blues were in League Two. Since then, he has done the business at the likes of Wigan, Swansea, Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 27 | 1142 | 4 | 2 |
Wednesday are in a spot of financial trouble, so a return to the South Coast for Lowe isn’t as unlikely as it may seem.
That might spell bad news for Ritchie, but he’s not one to cause a stir in the dressing room if he’s dropped to the bench. More likely, he’ll get his head down and even fight even harder for a place in the team.