- Targett speaks out on Newcastle future
- Newcastle deal expiring in summer
- Hopes for Middlesbrough deal to be made permanent
Newcastle United loanee Matt Targett has all but confirmed he will not return to the Magpies. The veteran full-back has spent the season on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough.
Targett’s contract at Newcastle runs out in the summer, and, by his own admission to the Northern Echo, he “believes he’s done” at St James’ Park. Newcastle will not look to renew his contract, and Targett will become a free agent in June.
The fullback was loaned out following a stint marred by injury on Tyneside. He has taken to Middlesbrough like a duck to water and is now angling to continue his journey there next season.
Targett on Future Plans
Gaining promotion with Boro is Targett’s first aim, whether that be automatic promotion or a playoff triumph. He has made it clear that his first choice is to stay on Teeside permanently when his loan deal expires.
That decision is down to the club, though, and if they don’t decide he is worthy of a full-time deal, Targett still has his sights set on playing in one of England’s top divisions.
The English defender said:
“The future? I’m not sure to be honest. I believe I’m done at Newcastle so that chapter is closed.”
The fullback seems to have put the injuries that marred most of his Newcastle career behind him. Targett believes he still has a lot to offer, both in his on-pitch performances and in the wealth of experience he has accumulated throughout his career.
Targett Targeting Fresh Start
Targett has been a big hit on Teesside since joining in the summer on a season-long loan deal. He has played a key role in Boro’s promotion charge under both Rob Edwards and Kim Hellberg, respectively.
Middlesbrough have given Targett regular minutes, with the Englishman playing 37 of the 40 available Championship games. This is his highest tally since the 20/21 season, but he will surpass that 38-game total before the season is done.
Going back to his parent club isn’t feasible for either Targett or Newcastle.
At 30 years old, going to sit on the bench every week would likely mark the end of his career. For Newcastle, Targett is no longer at a level that matches the club’s ambition, hence letting him become a free agent without much of a fight.
Targett’s Newcastle career
Matt Targett joined Newcastle during the 21/22 season and was one of the earliest signings following the takeover. He signed a 6-month loan in January of that season.
He made 16 Premier League appearances during the spell. Newcastle made the decision to sign him permanently for £15m the following summer.
He then largely became a backup, especially with Lewis Hall’s arrival from Chelsea. Targett always remained professional in his work and endeared himself to Newcastle fans across his tenure with solid performances and an excellent character.
His final couple of seasons were shrouded in injury. That saw him make just 12 appearances combined across the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons.
