Reading are exploring a deal to sign veteran winger Matt Ritchie following his release from Portsmouth, with talks already underway for a move to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The 35-year-old, who has amassed 145 Premier League appearances and nearly 600 in total across his career, has been told he can leave Fratton Park in search of regular minutes elsewhere. Despite strong interest from Championship sides, Reading are leading the race to bring the experienced Scot to League One.
Ritchie would be the Royals’ latest statement addition in a window that has already seen a major squad overhaul under new ownership. He would arrive with a proven track record, top-flight pedigree, and a wealth of experience as Reading look to push for a top-six finish after narrowly missing out last term.
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Reading target leadership and attacking guile
The potential arrival of Ritchie would offer much-needed leadership and attacking depth. A former standout at Bournemouth and Newcastle United, Ritchie spent eight years at St. James’ Park, playing a key role in their 2016/17 Championship-winning campaign.
He joined Portsmouth in 2024 and featured heavily for John Mousinho’s side last season. However, the arrival of younger options such as Adrian Segecic has seen him fall down the pecking order, with Pompey agreeing to terminate his contract to facilitate a move.
Reading manager Noel Hunt is keen to add final-third quality and sees Ritchie’s creativity and work ethic as an ideal fit. The winger’s reported wage demands are high, but Reading are weighing that against the experience he would bring to a youthful squad.
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Portsmouth exit opens door to Royals switch
Ritchie’s release has created a rare opportunity for League One clubs to sign a player with elite-level credentials. His crossing ability, positional discipline, and set-piece threat have remained evident even into the latter stages of his career.
Though there is interest from unnamed Championship clubs, Reading’s offer of regular minutes in a promotion-chasing side could prove decisive. Ritchie has yet to decide on his next move but is known to be impressed by the ambition being shown in Berkshire under new ownership.
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📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Championship (Matt Ritchie, Portsmouth):
• Appearances: 39
• Starts: 28
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 1
• Minutes played: 2,220
Per 90 + Creativity Stats:
Defensive duels won per game: 4.7 (65th percentile)
Key passes per game: 1.1 (84th percentile)
Big chances created: 6 total (81st percentile)
Crosses completed per game: 1.6 (79th percentile)
Shots per 90: 1.1 (73rd percentile)
Shots on target per 90: 0.4
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🔵⚪ ZONE RUMOURED
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