Opinions

Newcastle offloading 29-year-old speedster to Stoke City would be nothing but a transfer blunder by Rafa Benitez

Share

Newcastle United opinion: Should the Magpies sell Matt Ritchie?

According to a report from The Sun, Newcastle United winger, Matt Ritchie is a target for Championship side Stoke City in the upcoming summer transfer window. The 29-year-old has had a decent campaign with the Magpies so far and Stoke City are keen to make a move for him in the summer.

Stoke boss Nathan Jones has been monitoring Ritchie’s situation closely according to the report and he reckons that the Scot would be an important part of a potential Championship promotion bid next season.

Stoke have had a dismal season in the Championship, where they finished 16th this season. However, Jones is expected to get a decent budget for the transfer window and he could use that to lure Matt Ritchie to the Bet 365 stadium before the start of next season.

However, Ritchie is under contract with the Toons until the summer of 2021 and Newcastle have no real reason to offload him in the summer. Ritchie has been a consistent performer under Rafa Benitez this season, having started all but three games in the Premier League this season.

The former Bournemouth man has been directly involved in 8 goals so far but his return has been due to the fact that Benitez has moved him into a left wing-back role for the majority of the campaign.

Paul Dummett’s injury early in the season forced the Magpies boss to use Ritchie instead of the Scotsman’s preferred right-wing position.

Ritchie despite the change, has performed brilliantly, so much so, that he has continued to play there even after Dummett’s return.

If Newcastle sign a full-back in the upcoming transfer window, Ritchie will have a chance to return to his attacking role, where he is a dangerous customer for any team to deal with.

The 29-year-old, on his day, is capable of winning games on his own for his side and selling him would be a huge mistake in the summer.

Ritchie’s goals, assists and work rate would play an important role in Newcastle’s campaign next season and losing him could hinder their chances of improvement from this term’s potential 14th-place finish.

Read more Newcastle United news, click here – Newcastle United latest news

Conclusion

Selling Matt Ritchie in the summer makes no sense, considering how valuable he has been to the Magpies this season.

His attacking prowess combined with his versatility will be an important asset for Newcastle next season and they should reject Stoke’s approach without any second thoughts.

Shamanth Jayaram

24-year old Electrical engineer turned football writer, born and brought up in Bangalore.

Recent Posts

Tips for Attending Your First Live Football Match

Experiencing a live football match in a stadium is genuinely remarkable. The atmosphere differs  significantly from watching on a screen. The energy and excitement are contagious, immersing  you in the game like never before.   If you're gearing up for your inaugural football match, knowing what to expect is essential. The  sheer intensity of being surrounded by hundreds or thousands of passionate fans can be  overwhelming. To ensure you make the most of this unique experience, here are some tips for  first-timers:  Secure Tickets Early  Getting tickets is crucial, especially for popular events like the World Cup or highly anticipated  matches. Buying online is often the most convenient method. As the season progresses, ticket  demand increases, leading to quick sell-outs. Prices can vary based on team popularity, stadium  quality, and other factors. You can think about buying your tickets in cryptocurrency. Consider  using USDT but first understand tether meaning to know how to go about it. If you have a  specific team or player you want to see, plan accordingly by checking their schedule and  securing tickets early for the best experience. …

3 days ago

Some key players to watch at Euro 2024

FRANCE WIN 14-0 🤯Les Bleus score 14 (FOURTEEN) times vs. Gibraltar for their biggest-ever win.…

5 days ago

Aston Villa vs Liverpool preview, team news, tickets and prediction

Aston Villa are having a very fine season so far in the Premier League. The…

5 days ago

Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers preview, team news, tickets & prediction

The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…

2 weeks ago

Everton vs Nottingham Forest preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…

1 month ago

The Vital Role of Communication on the Soccer Field: Unlocking Success in Leagues

Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…

1 month ago