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Transfer news: Matt Ritchie may still want to leave Newcastle United

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Matt Ritchie may still want to leave Newcastle United, according to the Shields Gazette

What’s the latest Newcastle United news?

Given finances look tight at St James’ Park this summer, the club may have to make difficult decisions in regards to selling players.

Indeed, Ritchie is believed to have fallen out with manager Steve Bruce during Newcastle’s awful run earlier this year and was strongly linked with a return to Bournemouth over the course of the January transfer window.

While he did come back into the side as Bruce’s side turned the tide of the relegation battle, the report suggests he may still want to leave.

How long does Ritchie have left on his Newcastle contract?

Having signed a new deal back in March 2020, the former Scotland international has a contract running until the summer of 2023.

According to SpotRac, the 31-year-old earns in the region of £45k-per-week.

Should Newcastle sell Ritchie?

There’s certainly a case to.

If Newcastle do have to sell to buy this summer, moving a player over 30 on while they can still command a respectable fee may be a good idea. That’s not to suggest Ritchie has nothing left to give (as his 1.4 key passes per game last season would attest to, via WhoScored) but, frankly, the club may have to be ruthless.

If he does want to leave, then keeping him another season just doesn’t seem wise. As impressive as he was coming back into the side, there are other options at left-back including Paul Dummett and Jamal Lewis, while surely we can expect more from Ryan Fraser on the wing next season.

Considering his age and how long he spent out of the team earlier this season, there doesn’t appear to be many chances to sell Ritchie left for Newcastle. Should an offer arrive, acting on it could be a good way of raising funds.

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