Newcastle United turned Matt Targett’s loan move permanent last summer after he impressed during a short-term stint from Aston Villa and was hailed as a ‘solid’ defender by Paddy Kenny.
The 26-year-old is expected to be a regular at left-back next season after his fine form in 2021/22. Kenny called Targett a ‘good player’ for Eddie Howe to have at his disposal and says he will improve the squad.
He told Football Insider: “Well you have Targett in. (He is) your solid signing. (He is) an improvement and good signing. Targett is a good player.” The former England U21 international made 16 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, making 41 tackles, 25 interceptions, 19 chances and 74 crosses.
So with Jamal Lewis being deemed surplus to requirements, Paul Dummett struggling with injuries and Matt Ritchie being inconsistent, Howe desperately needed a left-back. Targett, who was once on England’s radar, saw his stock fall at Villa this season, so Newcastle took a gamble and it paid off.
The 26-year-old set them back £15m in total, so he could end up being a bargain acquisition if he can pick up where he left off. Targett was desperate to stay in the North-East and his teammates were keen for him to remain beyond the summer, so this has been a positive move.
In other news, Newcastle told to make ‘fantastic signing’ from West Ham
