Newcastle United sign Scotland midfielder Matt Ritchie for £12 million

[ian1964 10,761]

NEWCASTLE UNITED have announced the signing of Scotland midfielder Matt Ritchie from Bournemouth for a reported £12 million.

 

The 26-year-old has penned a five-year deal at St James' Park for an undisclosed fee that is believed to be around £12 million.

 

Ritchie, who has scored three goals for the Tartan Army in nine caps, played a key role in Bournemouth's debut Premier League campaign last season.

 

He scored four goals and provided six assists for the Cherries as they finished 16th, but has dropped back down to the Championship to work under Rafa Benitez at Newcastle.

 

"It's an unbelievable feeling to come to a football club like this," Ritchie told the Magpies' official website.

 

"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."

 

Benitez highlighted the importance of securing Ritchie after Andros Townsend left for Crystal Palace on Friday.

 

"We have been following some wingers for a while and Matt was one of the best prospects for this team," he explained.

 

"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."

 

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/14593239.Newcastle_United_sign_Scotland_midfielder_Matt_Ritchie_for___12_million/

[buster. 5,257]

Benitez showing that he seems to have control over signings.

Hard working British instead of French prospect (too often with dubious work ethic).

 

That's two of Strachan's established players dropping down a division, although in the case of Fletcher, playing in the Championship is probably better than sitting on your erchie in the top tier.

[colinstein 294]

£12 million !.....and Ross McCormack and Naismith going for similar amounts.........can't get my head round it