Matt Targett’s bright start to life away from Newcastle United continued with another impressive performance for Middlesbrough.
Toon boss Eddie Howe decided to sell and loan several players during the summer transfer window, with players like Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson leaving the club after several years on Tyneside.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United sanctioned loan moves for several players before deadline day, with talented young star Antonio Cordero heading out to KVC Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League.
Another, more low-key loan move made during the transfer window was Matt Targett heading to Middlesbrough. The 29-year-old had fallen out of favour on Tyneside following the sudden rise of Lewis Hall, who was putting in brilliant performances at left back.
Targett struggled with injuries throughout his three years at Newcastle, and it was telling of his place in the first-team picture when Tino Livramento, a natural right-back, was played ahead of him when Hall suffered a season-ending injury.
Now on Teesside, Targett appears to be enjoying life at his new club.
Matt Targett celebrates after scoring in a Championship game between Preston North End and Middlesbrough.
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images
Matt Targett scores in his first start on loan at Middlesbrough
Targett cited a lack of minutes when leaving Newcastle. It was clear that he was not in Howe’s plans for the future, and with a year left on his current deal, it was clear that he needed a move away to prove that he still has what it takes to be a star.
On his Middlesbrough debut, Targett bagged an assist off the bench to help Rob Edwards’ side secure their fourth win of the Championship season, and keep their place at the top of the table.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
With Boro enjoying a brilliant start to the season, Targett got his first start against Preston at Deepdale Stadium. The defender left his mark on the game, scoring a second-half goal to level the game at 1-1.
Boro fell behind again in the 88th minute, before a 92nd-minute equaliser confirmed the points were shared between the two teams.
Post-match, Targett shared a post on Instagram, which read: “Great character to come back and get a point! Thanks to the travelling fans.”
In the replies, Everton star Jack Grealish said: “Go on the TIGGGAAAA.”
Elsewhere, Newcastle shot-stopper John Ruddy joked with Targett about scoring with his right foot, saying: “Thought the right leg was just for standing on!? Love it pal!”
Matt Targett’s Newcastle United career may already be over
Targett’s time at Newcastle was marred by injury and inconsistency, which is a shame because he was a significant part of Howe’s starting XI during the 2021/22 season while he was on loan.
The 29-year-old is now at a club where he is virtually guaranteed a place in the starting XI, especially if he carries on registering goal involvements, but it is fair to say that he may have already played his final game for Newcastle.
Targett scored in a friendly against Espanyol in August, the final time he played in front of the St James’ Park crowd before his loan move was confirmed. It was a brave performance from the Englishman, who played in midfield due to a lack of squad depth at the time.
In a recent interview, Targett shared how an eczema outbreak prevented him from playing for Newcastle. He said that the medicine used to prevent it was on the anti-doping list, so he was unable to use it.
Targett also said that he is open to joining Middlesbrough permanently, a sign that he knows his Newcastle career is over. The defender’s contract is up next summer, so his chances of staying on are very slim.