Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Matt Targett on Wednesday, turning his loan move permanent after an impressive five-month stint at St James’ Park. The 26-year-old was keen to stay at Newcastle and Paddy Kenny says he’ll be a bargain acquisition at £12m.
Targett was close to getting an England callup in March 2021, but he was overlooked by Gareth Southgate and then his Aston Villa form wavered the following season. Steven Gerrard succeeded Dean Smith in November and signed Lucas Digne as Targett’s replacement just two months into his stint, so the left-back opted to join Newcastle for more playing time.
And after a successful few months in the North-East, he’s signed a four-year deal with Newcastle. Kenny is delighted, telling Football Insider: “It’s a no brainer. He had a good spell there and £12million in this day and age is not a lot of money, is it?
“It gets the ball rolling on the summer business for Newcastle which is important. He did well when he was there and I think it’s a bargain if I’m honest – £12million for someone with over 100 Premier League appearances doesn’t happen.”
Targett made 16 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, making 41 tackles, 25 interceptions, 38 clearances and nine successful dribbles, while blocking 16 shots/passes/crosses, winning 19 aerial duels and creating 19 chances.
The 26-year-old will be delighted to be part of such an ambitious project and his England prospects could be boosted if he can pick up from where he left off.
In other news, Frank McAvennie issues transfer warning to Newcastle
