Matt Targett will leave Newcastle United when his contract expires this summer.
Matt Targett has confirmed that he will formally quit Newcastle United when his contract expires this summer.
Targett signed for Newcastle for £15 million in 2022 after a successful loan stint with Aston Villa, during which he played a crucial role in assisting the team avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Despite Newcastle’s progress on the pitch since then, Targett has failed to replicate the heights of his initial loan spell, owing to a series of injuries and fitness concerns. He was limited to only five Premier League appearances in two seasons before leaving the club on loan.
Last summer, Targett moved to Championship team Middlesbrough on a season-long loan from Newcastle.
Matt Targett loan to Boro
Targett has played an important role in their Championship promotion campaign this season.
Newcastle was suffering from a defensive injury crisis in January, prompting serious conversations about a possible recall for the left-back. Newcastle had the opportunity to recall the defender under their loan arrangement with Middlesbrough, but they decided against it.
“It was really important to me that I could come here [to Middlesbrough] and show that I can play a whole season without injury,” Targett told Sky Sports.
“I had a talk with Eddie [Howe] in January and he was incredibly sympathetic about my situation, so I appreciate him for that. He knew that staying in Middlesbrough was good for me and that I wanted to continue playing. “
Matt Targett is ‘done’ at NUFC.
Targett’s contract with Newcastle expires in the summer, and he has already indicated that he feels “done” with the club, indicating that he will not sign a new contract and will leave.
Targett would love to live in Middlesbrough permanently, but promotion may influence his decision, as he is keeping his possibilities open.
“The future? I’m not sure to be honest,” he said. “I believe I am finished at Newcastle, so that chapter is closed.
“Hopefully we get promoted here (at Boro) and there will be a contract for me… But if not, I’ve played as much as possible this season and will examine my alternatives. “
Targett will not be the sole full-back to depart Newcastle when his contract expires this summer. Kieran Trippier also stated over the weekend that he will leave the club.
Emil Krafth’s contract expires at the end of the season, but no decision has been made public about his future.
