(Credit: Imago)

Portsmouth could free up more transfer spend after Ritchie exit news - Exclusive

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

25 Jul 2025, 1:30 am

This story includes exclusive opinion from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.

Portsmouth have had to make some key decisions as they strive to make significant progress in the Championship.

John Mousinho has already made a couple of additions to his squad, but he will be eyeing a host of new signings as the deadline grows closer.

Pompey signed John Swift on a free transfer in what could prove to be a savvy piece of business by the South Coast side.

However, experienced midfielder Matt Ritchie is set to depart Fratton Park, having been left out of Mousinho's pre-season squad.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho watches on

Mousinho has been running his eye over his Pompey squad (Credit: Imago)

Ritchie exit to aid Portsmouth transfers

Ritchie looks set to depart Portsmouth in sad circumstances, having only returned to the South Coast club last summer.

Last season, the 35-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions, but Pompey appear to be heading in a different direction.

Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley - speaking exclusively to Pompey News - has provided insight on his potential departure

"Yes, depending on whether you get anything for the player himself," he said when asked if Portsmouth could pump money from Ritchie straight back into the squad.

"But certainly from a wage consideration, you're looking at a saving there, aren't you, for sure, and they're going in a different direction with some of the players that they're signing.

"It's likely that it just brings the wage bill down a little bit and gives you a little bit more room to work with, so I think that's the likely way that one would play out.

"And again, that's about balance both ways, so it's not off, it's not always just the transfer fees that you can command for players that leave, it's getting them off the wage bill as well, which can free up a bit of room to manoeuvre."

Mousinho will hope Ritchie money can be used on new signings (Credit: Imago)

Pompey can use Ritchie funds to bolster squad

While Mousinho will be eyeing progress next season, that is no guarantee given the strength of the league.

Furthermore, while there have been a handful of new additions, Portsmouth still have work to do to make their squad stronger.

Although Ritchie is a player with substantial experience, Pompey must believe they are better off without him, especially if he isn't going to be happy.

All things considered, if the midfielder's departure ties in with new arrivals, then it should be the correct call.

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Dan Plumley

Matt Ritchie