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Opinion

Stoke fans react as club offers ‘staggering package’ to sign Matt Ritchie

6 years ago
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Stoke fans have been reacting to the news of their club’s interest in Matt Ritchie.

The Potters are reported to have offered a ‘staggering package’ to land the Newcastle winger.

As well as a £15m transfer fee, they have also allegedly offered a wage package of up to £80,000 a week.

Little wonder that Stoke would be interested in Ritchie, a player who registered astonishing stats in terms of being involved in goals as both Bournemouth and Newcastle United were promoted from the Championship.

The relegated club have already shown their intention to get instant promotion with the purchase of Nigeria’s 22 year old World Cup star Oghenekaro Etebo and the signing of Benik Afobe.

Interesting to read what the Stoke fans are saying about the potential Matt Ritchie signing, the overwhelming reaction is that he is a no-brainer in terms of ability, though concerns from some about the financial side of things…

Stoke fans react via their top Oatcake message board:

‘Shaqiri will not be here next season , so it is the clubs job to find the best player , in that position , that is available. Matt Ritchie would probably be top of that list , the club should be applauded if this comes off.’

 ‘I wonder why Newcastle want to get rid?’

‘Because they need the funds.’

‘Rafa is under pressure to build a better squad but Ashley has pulled the purse strings…ultimately it means selling your best stock.

If I was Newcastle I would snap Stoke’s hand off.’

I can see Rafa going elsewhere given the chance.’

 ‘It’d be big money but we’d struggle to find someone with a better record at this level. Going off his history on Transfermarkt he’s not missed any games through injury for several years either (touch wood)

In his promotion season with Bournemouth (14/15) he was involved in 33 goals (15 scored and 18 assisted) in 51 games

In Newcastle’s promotion season (16/17) he was involved in 26 goals (16 scored, 10 created) in 42 games

That level of return near enough mirrors Liam Lawerence’s contribution when we last went up. Lawrence won Overall Championship Player of the Year and got voted into the 07/08 PFA Team of the Year too.’

 ‘Be a great move if we signed him, no need for financial concern and owners to be applauded.’

‘1- he’s not worth £15 million

2- £4 million a year is ridiculous

I have no idea what the club are doing, seems a bit of a panic to me, he’s a good championship player yes but that’s all he is, £10 million max and should be on far lower wages, if he wants more then move on, don’t get desperate and be ripped off for a bang average player.’

‘Each player has a market value. Obviously it’s not good to overpay for a player. Now that we’re in the Championship, it is even more of a risk. £77,000 per week is a hell of a lot of money for a player who turns 29 in September.

‘Would you also be moaning if we offered £30k a week and he turned it down.’

‘We’re not talking risks here. It’s good, solid money on top level Championship player, which will give us a good, fighting chance.’

‘These kind of deals are okay if we promote this season or next but not if we’re still in the Championship in 4-5 years time.’

‘If we don’t do these deals then we probably will still be in the Championship in 4-5 years.’

‘You’re assuming that there is a wide player that we want, who is available, and better than Ritchie, that we can get for £10m.

There has to be some benefit to having multi-squillionaire owners, and if that involves them splashing their cash, it’s not really for me or you to question.

We paid £18m for both Imbula & Wimmer. We’ll never get worse value than that, ever again.

The owners seem to be very serious about getting back up. That’s what we all wanted, was it not.’

‘We have to do what it takes to get some players, players like Ritchie that will make the difference. I’m not concerned about this fee/wage deal as we’re not doing this for everyone. We can also probably afford it.’

‘If we get Ritchie, sign another striker and a wide man and hold on to Butland then we’re as good as promoted.’

‘If true, it’s a staggering contract.

However he is a quality player so if we can get him in it would be brilliant news. Sign players like this and keep the best ones we already have ie Bauer and we won’t be spending to long in the Championship.

Come on Stoke!’

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