According to The News, Portsmouth are not interested in signing Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie as his contract expires.

Portsmouth will be looking for new players this summer after securing their place in the Championship for the 2024/25 season.

Pompey won League One after leading the table for much of the season. It marks a long-awaited return to the second tier after an impressive rebuild under manager John Mousinho.

Ahead of the transfer window, Fratton Park will be scouting numerous potential targets. While the club has priority options in mind, they are also prepared with backup plans to ensure a successful summer.

However, one player not in consideration for a return to Portsmouth is Matt Ritchie, who is out of contract with Newcastle United. Despite being from Gosport and having previously played for Portsmouth as a youngster, Ritchie isn’t on their radar. The focus for Portsmouth is on recruiting players whom they can nurture and develop into valuable assets, as reported by The News.

This strategy aligns with Portsmouth’s focus on long-term investments. By signing younger prospects and investing in their development, the club aims to cultivate future stars who could potentially yield significant profits in the future. This approach mirrors the successful strategies employed by many clubs, including Portsmouth themselves, who secured several promising young players last summer before achieving promotion.

While prioritizing younger talent is important for Portsmouth’s future, there’s a valid argument for the value of added experience going into the next season.

Players like Marlon Pack are expected to stay, but the departure of experienced figures like Sean Raggett and Joe Rafferty will be felt. It’s crucial for Portsmouth to consider replacing their expertise as they gear up for a significant leap forward.

Considering a seasoned Championship campaigner like Matt Ritchie could be a prudent move for another club in the league this summer, even if Portsmouth isn’t pursuing him. Despite not being as dynamic as he once was during his AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United days, the 34-year-old still possesses a potent left foot and versatility to play on the wings or as a wing-back, making him a valuable asset.

Ritchie’s wealth of experience in both the Premier League and the Championship could also make him a valuable leader in his next team’s dressing room. However, it appears that Portsmouth won’t be his destination when the transfer window opens.

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