Newcastle United have continued their pursuit of Callum Wilson and they shouldn’t hesitate to include Matt Ritchie if it gets the deal done.
One of the primary targets at striker for Newcastle United during this window has been Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson. A consistent performer in the Premier League, Wilson has drawn interest from EPL clubs since the Cherries were relegated this campaign. Now, it seems some progress is being made on a potential deal with Bournemouth requesting Matt Ritchie in addition to cash. If it helps get the deal done, the Magpies shouldn’t think twice about sending away the veteran winger.
Let’s be clear, Ritchie is a valuable piece to the NUFC puzzle. He’s an established veteran that never takes a moment off on the pitch, often pushing him teammates to give more. He picked up 14 assists during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons before an injury limited his production this season.
But, when there’s a chance to address your biggest need in the transfer window with a quality player, Ritchie should be far from untouchable. No, that’s not “hating on Ritchie” as has been thrown about on social media. That’s knowing the value of Wilson vastly exceeds the value of Ritchie to this current squad.
Ritchie is a necessary sacrifice. The Magpies would be sending away a 30-year-old winger, whose best position on the left is occupied by Allan Saint-Maximin, for a 28-year-old striker, who has scored 22 EPL goals over the last two season. Ritchie would be missed, but the goals that Wilson could provide a club starved for them would be missed even more.
His passion, passing, and work rate will be remembered and appreciated by the Toon Army, but Ritchie needs to be moved if it can bring Wilson to Tyneside.