(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Transfers

Matt Ritchie finds new club after Portsmouth reach agreement

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on: 

Matt Ritchie remains intertwined with Portsmouth's transfer business late in the window.

The 35-year-old only moved to Fratton Park last season and played a vital role in avoiding relegation to League One.

However, John Mousinho has since stated that Ritchie was not part of Portsmouth’s plans this season.

Now, the winger is looking to find a new club before the transfer window closes.

John Mousinho in Portsmouth jacket during pre-season fixture against Reading
John Mousinho not longer has Matt Ritchie in his plans (Credit: Imago)

Reading reach agreement for Matt Ritchie

While Portsmouth fans did not want to see Ritchie leave this summer, the midfielder now looks set to move onto the next chapter of his career.

According to Sky Sports News on 27 August, Reading have been in talksk with Portsmouth and Ritchie over a potential move. 

  • Ritchie joined Portsmouth from Newcastle last summer after his contract expired
  • The midfielder made 41 appearances in all competitions
  • Portsmouth would have to sign off on Ritchie's move to Reading

It goes on to say that any deal would have to be signed off by Pompey, with mutual termination needing to be agreed by all parties.

Now, Mark McAdam has followed this up on X on 27 August, stating that an agreement has now been reached.

John Mousinho takes gamble with Matt Ritchie departure 

The departure of the winger is no doubt a gamble by Mousinho

Despite his age, Ritchie proved to be a valuable asset for Portsmouth last season, and even netted five times in the Championship. 

According to Fotmob on 27 August, the midfielder had multiple impressive stats in the 2024/25 campaign, with his creativity standing out.

Matt Ritchie stats from the 2024/25 campaignPer 90 minutes
Goals 0.20
Shots 1.67
Expected assists 0.18
Chances created 1.80
Successful crosses 1.47
Possession won in final third 0.94
Ritchie was vital to Portsmouth's survival last season

On top of this, his experience has been vital to the dressing room and has no doubt helped the South Coast club get through some tough times.

Hopefully, the departure doesn’t come back to haunt Portsmouth, and it is just Mousinho being ruthless in his effort to progress Pompey further.

Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.

John Mousinho
Matt Ritchie
www.theportsmouthnews.com