Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Newcastle have informed Matt Ritchie he is free to leave in January as he continues to struggle for game time on Tyneside – with MLS clubs said to be showing interest in the versatile star.
The 33-year-old joined Newcastle back in 2016 from Bournemouth after the Toon were relegated from the Premier League. He helped Rafa Benitez’s side return to the Premier League at the first attempt, and has since remained.
The Scotland international, a £12million signing for Newcastle, has gone on to play 190 times for Newcastle in all competitions. In that time, he has had a hand in 57 goals. But he is about to enter the last six months of his deal.
Now, Jones reports that Newcastle have told Ritchie that he is free to leave the club in the January window. With his contract up in the summer and the loyalty he has shown Newcastle – they might allow him to depart on a free transfer.
“I’ve been told that he is a player that has been told he can go in the New Year. I know there has been some interest from America, there are MLS clubs that like him, so that might be an avenue that opens up to him,” Jones said.
Newcaslte have informed Ritchie he is free to leave in January
It is the right move. Ritchie has only managed two appearances for Newcastle this season. He played in a 2-1 win over Tranmere in the Carabao Cup, starting and finishing the match. But in the Premier League, he has managed one outing.
Indeed, Ritchie came on with a couple of minutes to go during a 1-1 draw against Wolves. A game in which Allan Saint-Maximin scored a stunning volley to equalise. For the good of his career, Ritchie needs to find a new club. MLS?
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