Matt Ritchie is reportedly likely to be on the way out of Newcastle United this summer.
According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Matt Ritchie is one of the first-team players that is likely to be on the way out of Newcastle this summer, with the Magpies open to selling the wide-man for around £10 million.
Ritchie was outstanding in the Championship as he helped Newcastle return to the top flight during his first year at St James’ Park. And, while he has perhaps not been as influential in the Premier League, he has remained an important player for Rafa Benitez’s side.
The 29-year-old has showcased his versatility this term, spending much of the campaign at left-back while Paul Dummett has been sidelined. But it appears that there is now a question mark hanging over his future on Tyneside.
The Daily Mirror reports that Ritchie feels that he has one big contract left in his career and is keen to secure a pay rise. But it seems that Newcastle could have other ideas.
The report suggests that he is ‘likely’ to be allowed to leave the club, but Benitez is not pushing him through the exit door.
It would appear to be a gamble for Newcastle to let Ritchie leave. Only Salomon Rondon has provided more assists in the Premier League this season and the Scotland international has demonstrated his ability to play almost anywhere on the pitch.
He may not be one of players that tends to grab the headlines for Newcastle, but he is arguably a very good option to have in the ranks and replacing him with a better signing is likely to cost more than £10 million unless Benitez can pull off another transfer masterstroke.
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