Watford emerge as potential destination for out of contract Newcastle star as return home looks unlikely

Newcastle United recently released their retained list for the 2024/25 season which confirmed the exit of two long-term club servants.

Paul Dummett will leave the club he joined as a boy after 24 years at the club while Matt Ritchie brings to an end his eight-year tenure at the club.

Upon having his exit confirmed, Matt Ritchie was immediately linked with a return to Portsmouth where he started his career, but it was later suggested that he doesn't fit their recruitment profile and is unlikely to get to live his dream of a Pompey homecoming.

Reports coming out today though, suggest that he may end up back in the Championship after all with Watford supposedly keen on the winger.

Getty Images

Watford have their eye on Ritchie after leaving Newcastle

Ritchie turns 35 in September but has kept himself fit enough that Eddie Howe had no hesitation sending him on the pitch for Newcastle last season.

In fact, as well as making 13 Premier League appearances, it was Ritchie who rescued a point for Newcastle at home to his former club Bournemouth with a second-half stoppage-time strike.

TeamTalk reports that Watford boss Tom Cleverley is a 'big admirer' of Ritchie and would be keen to bring him to Vicarage Road next season.

Matt Ritchie is being eyed by several Championship clubs

However, the report also suggests there are several other Championship clubs keen on the former Scotland international so the corner flag menace could have his pick of clubs.

We're chuffed for Ritchie that it looks like he only has to drop to the Championship and not down to League One. There's still plenty left in the tank.

We'd still not be shocked to see Ritchie waltz back into St James' Park as part of the coaching staff one day, provided Eddie Howe is still around.