Former Mag completes emotional return to boyhood club after fake news on Tuesday

After being released by Newcastle at the end of the 2023/24 season, Matt Ritchie has secured an emotional move back to boyhood club Portsmouth, despite a report (Football Insider) claiming he was set to join Bournemouth on Tuesday afternoon.

The 34-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Fratton Park following their promotion back to the Championship, seeing him rejoin the club he left 13 years ago to link up with former Mag Elias Sorensen and Josh Murphy; the brother of Toon winger Jacob.

During his time at Bournemouth, he was instrumental in their rise through the Football League before being a key figure in Newcastle’s immediate 2016/17 promotion back to the Premier League. Since, he has proved a capable utility player and someone who was at the heart of the dressing room up to his release, scoring 25 goals in 215 appearances across eight eventful seasons.

Newcastle fans across the world will wish Ritchie the best as he tries to help Pompey solidify their league status in the second tier after a superb 2022/23 season saw them seal promotion to the Championship.

https://twitter.com/Pompey/status/1820882532508037416

Reacting to Ritchie's arrival, Portsmouth boss John Musinho said: “Everyone will know what Matt is all about because he’s had a fantastic Premier League career. I’m sure all the fans have tracked his incredible progress since he was last at the club and been pleased by what he’s achieved.

“It’s a transfer that’s been talked about for a long time and it’s amazing that we’ve been able to get it done.
“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 couple of times.

“It’s one of those signings that will provide a real boost around the place because he’s a fantastic player and in very good physical condition. We’re very excited to have him here."