One player could now join Portsmouth this summer after Newcastle decided against renewing his contract.

Pompey are on the up under John Mousinho – after winning promotion to the Championship as champions of League One.

Now – after being released by Newcastle – a very experienced player could move to Fratton Park to help Portsmouth succeed in the Championship…

Portsmouth could sign Matt Ritchie after Newcastle release

A post from Chris Wise of the BBC now states that Matt Ritchie could join Portsmouth after his contract with Newcastle expired.

The Scotland international emerged from Portsmouth’s academy in 2008 after joining Pompey as a 13-year-old in 2002, and could now be heading back to his hometown.

Wise wrote: “Matt Ritchie released by Newcastle. He’s got a desire to play for boyhood club Portsmouth again before he retires, so keep an eye on that one this summer. Not saying it’s definitely happening, but it’s got some mileage in it.”

Matt Ritchie released by Newcastle. He’s got a desire to play for boyhood club Portsmouth again before he retires, so keep an eye on that one this summer. Not saying it’s definitely happening, but it’s got some mileage in it. #Pompey #NUFC

— Chris Wise (@chriswisey) May 29, 2024

The Newcastle No.11 – who will officially become a free agent on July 1st if he fails to find a new club beforehand – amassed 215 appearances in total for the Magpies, after signing from Bournemouth in a £10m deal back in July 2016.

Ritchie – aged 34 – would be a significant signing for Portsmouth given his vast experience in the Championship.

The man from Gosport has made a total of 123 Championship appearances throughout his career, scoring 36 goals while also providing 28 assists – winning two Championship titles.

Deal would not be straightforward for Pompey

Ritchie has been earning £44,000-a-week at Newcastle, and Wise adds that the soon to be free agent will need to take a huge pay cut if a move to Portsmouth is to materialise.

The BBC Sport reporter added: “Ritchie would have to accept an enormous drop in wages if he were to join Pompey. And that might not be a figure either party can reach an agreement on. If it happens, it needs a) Mousinho to see him in his Championship plans and b) Ritchie to sign because of love for club.”

Ritchie would have to accept an enormous drop in wages if he were to join #Pompey. And that might not be a figure either party can reach an agreement on. If it happens, it needs a) Mousinho to see him in his Championship plans and b) Ritchie to sign because of love for club.

— Chris Wise (@chriswisey) May 29, 2024

Clearly, a lot needs to happen for this deal to materialise, although it is an exciting saga for Portsmouth fans to keep an eye on this summer.