Latest reports claim that Newcastle United have knocked away a £15m bid from Stoke City for their influential winger, Matt Ritchie. The 28-year-old is being targeted by a number of English outfits with the Magpies also making a run for Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend as a potential replacement.
It is also being reported that Rafael Benitez is contemplating the sale of his starting right-winger since he will not be able to get more than 25 games out of the Scotsman in the upcoming season. A very confusing bit of speculation since Ritchie did star in 38 games last term, during which he contributed with 3 goals and 6 assists.
He also is a clear fan favourite with his total United involvement extended to 86 games over the past 2 seasons. Ritchie arrived from Bournemouth in the summer of 2016 for a record fee of £12m. He was instrumental in Newcastle United’s promotion back to the Premier League and has been a reliable performer ever since.
The 28-year-old is enjoying the peak of his career and is one of the best creative heads at Tyneside. With HIS dominant left foot, he makes use of the space out wide to either cut inside or deliver balls towards the opposition box.
Ritchie is not the fastest or the most prolific but he knows how to be impactful when on the ball. The Scotsman delivers on a regular basis and has a machine-like work ethic. He has been capped 16 times for Scotland, registering 3 international goals to his name.
The winger started out in the Portsmouth youth ranks but could not break into the first team. He had to look for more playing time while away on loan with Dagenham & Redbridge and Notts County before moving to Swindon Town permanently in 2011.
He earned high praise from his time with Bournemouth, making 142 total appearances and helping them earn promotion to the top-flight as well. Ritchie scored 31 goals and set up 29 assists during his time at Dean Court.
It is to our understanding that Benitez might not be willing to let go of any of his players if he does not have any immediate replacement lined up. The Spaniard is yet to sign Kenedy from Chelsea as the Blues are charging a ludicrous sum for the Brazilian.
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With Mike Ashley refusing to offer any sort of financial backing, maybe the Magpies head coach is looking to reinvest the money generated from Ritchie’s transfer over an improved option.
