Matt Ritchie’s departure could be more worrying for Newcastle United than first thought

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Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie reportedly could leave St. James’ Park in the summer.

According to the Daily Mirror, Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie could depart in the summer, and that should be a concern given the uncertainty around the club right now.

Ritchie may not be an outstanding player in the Premier League, but he is a driven professional and someone who has never let the Magpies down.

The 29-year-old has proven himself to a be a consistent performer for Newcastle, and he is a player who Rafael Benitez trusts massively.

Ritchie’s departure ordinarily would be seen as a blow, but perhaps not a major issue.

However, with so many key Newcastle players’ futures up in the air, losing Ritchie could be a bigger issue than first feared.

Newcastle may well lose Ayoze Perez, Isaac Hayden and Salomon Rondon in the summer – with Benitez’s future also uncertain.

If Ritchie was to depart as well then Newcastle’s squad would need major repairs, and their track record in the transfer window is hardly convincing.

Mike Ashley has not provided Benitez with huge funds during his time in charge at St. James’ Park.

And if Ritchie does depart then Newcastle would have to get their signings right this summer, otherwise they could be in danger of being severely weakened next campaign.