Journalist Lee Ryder has claimed that Matt Ritchie is doing enough in preseason to cement his Newcastle United future despite any possible arrivals of high profile new signings.
Already in the transfer market, the Magpies have spent decent money on bringing in the likes of Sven Botman, Matt Targett, and Nick Pope. And this might not be the end to the club’s summer spending spree – with left-sided players like Anthony Gordon and Moussa Diaby linked.
With that in mind, some of the senior stars already at the club may be fearing for their futures. One such individual could be Ritchie who has just one year left on his contract and will turn 33 years of age this September. And, having played just 17 minutes of league football in 2022, he was a bit of a forgotten man last term.
Despite that, it seems as though he has returned from his break in great shape and may well be in Eddie Howe’s plans for the upcoming Premier League season.
Indeed, in an article for ChronicleLive, Ryder wrote: “Matt Ritchie’s flying start to pre-season certainly caught the eye with a bright and breezy display that included a goal against the Tynesiders. When Ritchie came on as substitute away to Burnley on the final day many fans thought that was goodbye to the player who has served the club so well since 2016.
“But there is a suggestion that, despite some high profile new signings being mooted, the former Scotland international, at 32, still has something to offer at Newcastle. Ritchie has returned in superb shape and his usual levels of professionalism and fitness are there for all to see.
“Eddie Howe knows he can rely on the left-sided player and in many ways with Ritchie’s experience and tactical acumen, the former AFC Bournemouth star is effectively like a player-coach in the background. Ritchie will keep his head down and get on with his work, but there is a chance his Newcastle adventure continues into the 2022/23 season.”
Will Matt Ritchie stay at Newcastle beyond the summer?
Yes
No
TIF thoughts on Matt Ritchie and Newcastle…
As Ryder mentions, Ritchie has worked with Howe in the past at Bournemouth, and after as they have now reunited in Newcastle, the 32-year-old has actually worked with his current manage more than any other head coach in his career (via Transfermarkt).
With that in mind, it’s no shock to hear the claim that Howe knows ‘he can rely’ on the left-sided player, and their long-standing relationship may well lead him to be loyal to the Scot as well.
Newcastle certainly have plenty of options on the left flank going into next season – and possible future signings could only add further depth – but for now it seems as though Ritchie is doing all he can to stake a claim in the team.