AFC Bournemouth have sold Scotland winger Matt Ritchie to Championship outfit Newcastle United.
After being linked with the Cherries on numerous occasions while both Lee Bradbury and Paul Groves were in charge of the team, Eddie Howe completed the signing of Ritchie in January 2013.
A bid of around £500,000 was accepted by Swindon, who were in the midst of some financial insecurities and a takeover bid at the time.
The offer was considerably less than the Cherries had previously offered Swindon during failed transfer attempts.
During the following three and a half years with AFC Bournemouth he won promotion from League One in 2013 and played a key role in the club winning the Football League Championship in 2015.
He would go on to impress in the Premier League and break through into the full Scotland squad.
Overall he made 142 appearances for the Cherries scoring 31 times.
But following the Cherries maiden season in the top flight of English football, Ritchie was regularly linked with moves away from Dean Court.
West Ham United were rumoured to have made two approaches, but it was Newcastle United, just a few weeks removed from relegation from the Premier League who have completed a transfer for Ritchie.
The 26 year old has signed a five year contract, reported to be around £55,000 a week, with AFC Bournemouth receiving a reported £12million.
Ritchie told nufc.co.uk…
‘It’s an unbelievable feeling to come to a football club like this. It’s what you work hard for as a kid. You watch teams like Newcastle on the TV growing up, and it’s fantastic to be here and I’m really looking forward to the challenge…’
‘…(Rafa Benitez is) a manager that has managed at the very top level. I’m excited to work with him and his coaches. I’m sure I can become a better player, improve, and learn new ideas, so I’m really looking forward to it,’
‘I’m sure he’s got many tricks up his sleeve to make players better and I’m sure he’s got his own ideas how he wants to improve me. I’m excited.
Your Say…
AFCBade said…
Can’t help feeling that Ritchie has been linked with moves away for a while so I feel (viewing from afar) this was always a likely departure. As for the rest of the squad, a feeling of ‘in it together’ was an important factor in keeping the squad together and once the group breaks up this hold weakens. However can’t blame people for looking at big wages on offer given its a short career and with injury risk. – Join the conversation here.
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