Exclusive: Portsmouth’s Matt Ritchie Holding Out for Championship Move Despite Reading Interest

Matt Ritchie is weighing up his options ahead of the September transfer window deadline, SportsBoom sources can exclusively reveal.

The former Bournemouth and Newcastle United winger is on the lookout for a new club just a year after his Portsmouth homecoming. 

The 35-year-old has agreed with boss John Mousinho that his return to Fratton Park will end after a season following an open conversation regarding his role and playing time this term. 

Our sources have been told that Ritchie is in talks with a number of clubs and wants to play a pivotal role at this stage of his storied career. 

Ritchie played a huge role in helping Pompey stay up on their Championship return last season. 

And it is understood the experienced winger would prefer to stay in the second tier.

However, it is also understood he would be willing to drop down to League One for the right project, with Reading eager to secure is services. 

The Royals are readying themselves for a big promotion push this season after getting their off-field issues in order. 

Experience is Key 

Speaking earlier this season, Pompey boss Mousinho said: “We had a conversation with Matt at the back end of the season about expectations around playing time.”

“It was a really grown-up chat about where he is at with his career and what I was willing or able to promise him this coming season.”

“We shook hands and said that if he could find somewhere else that was going to guarantee him that [more game time] then that would be fine.”

Ritchie has enjoyed a successful career with four promotions on his CV.

He won the League Two title in 2010 and 2012 with Notts County and Swindon Town respectively before winning the Championship in 2015 an 2017 with Bournemouth and Newcastle.

Individually, Ritchie was named League Two Player of the Year in 2012 and scooped the League One award the following season.