Andy Carroll has claimed in an Instagram video with some of his Newcastle United teammates that Matt Ritchie will not be going back to Bournemouth in the summer transfer window.
As per the story, which was shared by the official Twitter page of the Tyneside club, Carroll claimed “don’t think so” when he asked himself as to whether Ritchie would be moving back to the Cherries while having a laugh at dinner with new signings Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser, both of whom incidentally played at the Vitality Stadium in 2019/20.
https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1303451901531426824
Indeed, it was widely reported that Ritchie would be used as part of a swap deal with Bournemouth in order for Wilson to move to St James’ Park, but with the latter having completed his move to the northeast, perhaps the possibility of Ritchie going back to the Cherries is now minimal.
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The Scottish international has been a loyal servant to the Magpies over the last four years, playing in 148 games in all competitions, including 23 last season, according to Transfermarkt.
Ritchie also comes off of the back of a fine campaign in which he won 3.7 of his duels per Premier League match and averaged 1.5 clearances, 1.2 tackles and 1.8 key passes per game, while managing to score two goals and supply one assist (via Sofascore).
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The 30-year old may well be part of Steve Bruce’s plans come the start of the new campaign, as he arguably still has a lot to offer the Toon based off of his statistics.
Geordies, should Newcastle keep Ritchie? Comment below with your views!
