Middlesbrough Close in on Loan Deal for Matt Targett
It looks like Middlesbrough are on the verge of securing an important signing, with Newcastle United’s Matt Targett set to join the club on a season-long loan. Now, this is quite a significant move because Boro have been hunting for reinforcements on the left side of defence, and Targett seems to tick all the boxes.
The 29-year-old full-back originally joined Newcastle from Aston Villa in a £15 million deal back in 2022, after impressing during an initial loan spell. At the time, he looked like a strong addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, but things haven’t gone entirely to plan since then. Over the past season, his game time has been extremely limited. In fact, Targett only managed 19 minutes in the Premier League last year and wasn’t even included in Newcastle’s opening day squad against Aston Villa. With Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, and even Kieran Trippier capable of covering that left side, Newcastle are well-stocked, leaving Targett without the regular football he clearly needs.
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For Middlesbrough, though, this could be a perfect fit. Manager Rob Edwards has been very open about his need to strengthen in two positions – up front and at left wing-back. While Sammy Silvera, naturally a winger, has been filling in admirably during pre-season and early league fixtures, Boro have been without a fully fit, recognised option in that role. Alex Bangura remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Neto Borges is seen more as a central defender. That gap has left Edwards eager to bring in experience, and Targett’s arrival should provide exactly that.
It’s worth noting that Targett has made over 150 Premier League appearances, and he also has Championship experience from a loan spell at Fulham in 2017–18, which ended in promotion via the playoffs. So he knows what’s required both in the top flight and in the grind of the second tier. Importantly, he has played regularly during Newcastle’s pre-season this summer, so he arrives fit and ready to contribute straight away.
This move also comes after Boro’s unsuccessful pursuit of Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew, with the American club rejecting advances earlier in the summer. The Teesside outfit are expected to revisit that situation later, perhaps even in January, but for now, securing Targett shores up one of their most pressing needs.
For Newcastle, the loan allows a player admired by Eddie Howe but currently surplus to requirements to get the first-team minutes he isn’t able to find at St James’ Park. For Middlesbrough, it offers a ready-made solution in defence as they push for a strong Championship campaign. And with around ten days left in the transfer window, the club is expected to turn its focus next toward signing a striker, ensuring that both of Edwards’ key areas of concern are addressed.
In short, this deal looks like a win for all parties: Targett gets back on the pitch, Boro get the experience they badly need, and Newcastle keep their squad balanced while still supporting a player they value.
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