Matt Ritchie looked to be finished at Newcastle United as he struggled for playing time under Eddie Howe and had a year remaining on his deal. The 32-year-old could leave on a free transfer in 2023, so it would make sense to cash in while he still has value, but Ritchie may yet have a future in the North-East.
The Scottish international started in Newcastle’s 5-1 friendly win over Gateshead on Saturday and was replaced at the break along with nine other players.
Ritchie being a part of the squad for pre-season is significant as Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle didn’t make the squad and are training with the U23s. Paddy Kenny believes Newcastle’s outcasts have a chance to impress Howe if given the opportunity.
He told Football Insider: “You never know which players will thrive after a pre-season. Some players, even the outcasts, will have the chance to impress and they could change Howe’s mind. Almost everyone there is playing for their future.”
Matt Targett is expected to be first-choice at left-back this coming season, but there could be a battle between Ritchie and Paul Dummett to be his deputy. Read Newcastle predicted in the past that Ritchie would be sold as he made just two Premier League appearances in 2022, but Howe clearly feels the 32-year-old has value.
