Exclusive: Portsmouth agree to re-sign Matt Ritchie after Newcastle exit
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Exclusive: Portsmouth agree to re-sign Matt Ritchie after Newcastle exit

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Portsmouth have agreed a deal to re-sign Matt Ritchie, sources have told Football Insider.

The 34-year-old midfielder is available on a free transfer following the expiration of his Newcastle contract in June.

Portsmouth have had a contract offer accepted by the versatile star, who is now putting the finishing touches to the move.

Ritchie spent three years at Bournemouth between 2013 and 2016 before joining the Magpies for an eight-figure fee.

But the veteran, who turns 35 in September, featured sparingly at St James' Park since their Saudi-backed takeover in 2021.

He is now closing in on a return to the south coast in time for the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Ritchie made 17 appearances across all competitions last term, starting in just one of those outings and scoring once.

Portsmouth set to re-sign Ritchie on free transfer

He was also omitted from the Magpies' Champions League squad as they were knocked out at the group stage.

The 34-year-old ended his eight-year association with Newcastle in June after making 215 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals.

He played as a winger on both sides at St James' Park and also featured heavily at left-back.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth finished 12th in the Premier League table in the 2023-24 campaign under Andoni Iraola, who was managing in England for the first time.

The Cherries start the new season against Nottingham Forest on 17 August.

In other news, Tottenham told new Dominic Solanke price tag by Bournemouth.

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