Surprising Matt Ritchie news | OneFootball

After eight years, Matt Ritchie left Newcastle United.

Giving great service, the signing from Bournemouth had been through the whole journey with NUFC.

Coming in as one of many brilliant Rafa Benitez signings, the left footer arrived at St James’ Park and helped United get instant promotion.

The years that followed seeing many highlights, not least a full on bust-up with Steve Bruce, then finally reuniting with Eddie Howe and helping Newcastle United to a top four finish and Champions League football.

An emotional farewell (see below)) for Matt Ritchie when he left last summer.

However, it looked a perfect fit when returning to his very first club, Portsmouth in the second tier.

A tough start for the club after promotion and it took Matt Ritchie a while to get a regular start, but once he did, Portsmouth and the former NUFC star had a very decent season. Ending up 16th and well clear of relegation.

On a two year contract, this coming 2025/26 season more of the same expected.

However, surprising news from the south coast is that Matt Ritchie is set to now leave Portsmouth.

The News report that Portsmouth manager John Mousinho refused to give Matt Ritchie assurances of being a regular starter in the coming season. The former Newcastle United star not happy with the situation and the net result is that whilst the Portsmouth squad are away in Slovakia for a pre-season training camp, Matt Ritchie has remained at home to sort out a new club.

The News report that even though set to turn 36 in September, Matt Ritchie is super fit and has interest from a number of other Championship clubs.

Last season, Matt Ritchie made 29 starts for Portsmouth, with 41 appearances in total when including sub appearances.

Best of luck to Ritchie wherever he ends up.

Matt Ritchie says goodbye via official club media – 31 May 2024:

‘After eight incredible years, my journey with Newcastle has come to an end and before I begin to prepare for an exciting new challenge at my new club – I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made my time here so special.

To the fans, your unwavering support has and always will mean the world to me.

From the elation of scoring the winner against Burton Albion as we chased promotion, to a personal highlight of mine, seeing out a 1-0 win over Man United to help secure our Premier League status in 2018 – these moments, where we battled and triumphed together at St. James’ Park, will always hold a special place in my heart.

Newcastle United is filled with extraordinary people who made my time here so special. There’s no doubt that I’m leaving this club with friends for life.

To the manager, coaches, my teammates and all the amazing staff at the club, it was a privilege to be part of such a talented, dedicated and ambitious team. Your hard work and friendship made every day a joy, and I am proud to have worked alongside you all.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this club will continue to grow from strength to strength over the coming seasons and I will be watching proudly from afar as a fan.