Matt Ritchie leaves Newcastle to join Portsmouth on free

Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie has left the club after eight seasons, with his contract expiring on 30 June 2024, and has signed a two-year deal with Portsmouth following his long spell on Tyneside.

The 34-year-old winger will turn 35 in September and is returning to his boyhood club and the same club where he began his youth and professional career.

Portsmouth earned promotion after winning League One last season and will feature in the second tier next season as part of the Championship, kicking off their campaign against Leeds United on Saturday. Ritchie will make his home debut against Sunderland on August 31.

Ritchie’s return to the south coast also reunites him with former Newcastle United striker Elias Sorensen, who completed his move to Portsmouth last weekend.

Blues boss John Mousinho said: “Everyone knows who Matt is because he has had a fantastic career in the Premier League.

“I’m sure all the fans have followed his incredible progress since he was last at the club and will be pleased with what he has achieved.

“It’s a transfer that has been discussed for a long time and it’s incredible that we were able to carry it out.

“As well as playing in the top flight for a number of seasons, Matt also has plenty of experience at this level, having been promoted from the Championship a number of times.

“He’s one of those signings that will give a real boost around the place because he’s a fantastic player and he’s in great physical condition. We’re really excited to have him here.”

Rafa Benitez brought Ritchie to Newcastle in the summer of 2016, where he played a key role in their immediate return to the top flight. He leaves Tyneside having scored 25 goals in 215 appearances, including appearing off the bench in the 2023 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

Good luck to Ritchie as he returns to his hometown club over 13 years after leaving for Swindon and playing for AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle thereafter!