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Ritchie signs for Toon in £12m deal

Former Swindon and Pompey man moves to St James’s Park with Andros Townsend reuniting with Pardew at Crystal Palace

By Peter Westwood

Matt Ritchie has completed a move from Bournemouth to Championship new boys Newcastle United for a fee of £12m.

Ritchie began his journey to Tyneside yesterday morning to hold talks with Rafa Benitez and has since agreed terms, signed his contract and completed his medical to become Newcastle’s third signing of the summer.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to come to a football club like this,” said Ritchie, who is a straightforward replacement for Andros Townsend who has left St James’s Park to join Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace for £13m.

“I loved it at Bournemouth – I had a fantastic time there and it had a huge impact on my career. But when a club like Newcastle comes calling, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

“It’s fantastic to be here and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of getting the club back in the Premier League.”

Boss Benitez added: “We have been following some wingers for a while and Matt was one of the best prospects for this team.

“He has great ability and pace, and as soon as we knew that Andros Townsend could be leaving, our priority was to finalise this deal.

“We have signed an exciting winger who has experience in the Championship but has also proved that he can step up to the top level. I am delighted that he is now part of our squad.

Ritchie joined Bournemouth from Swindon Town for £500,000 in 2013, having come through the academy at Portsmouth in his early career.

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