Matt Targett has explained his decision to leave Newcastle United and sign for Middlesbrough on loan.
Geordie Boot Boys exclusively revealed that Targett was set to join Middlesbrough, and now the deal has been confirmed.
The 29-year-old is no longer part of the Newcastle United squad, dropping down to the Championship for just the second time in his career to play for the Magpies’ North East rivals Middlesbrough.
Targett joins Boro at a great time. They are currently second in the Championship, having enjoyed a fast start to the 2025/26 season.
The defender is hoping his experience can further strengthen Middlesbrough’s promotion bid, as he explains why he has opted to temporarily walk away from St James’ Park.
Matt Targett laughing during a Newcastle United training session in pre-season.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Lack of minutes the problem for Matt Targett at Newcastle United
Following his arrival at the Riverside Stadium, Targett has spoken to Middlesbrough’s official YouTube channel.
He was asked to explain why it is the right move for him at this time.
“I haven’t played much football recently,” he said.
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“I’m at an age where I want to play. When I found out Middlesbrough were interested, that was the club that I wanted to come to.
“The bonus is they’ve made a brilliant start to the Championship, so I’m looking forward to adding my experience and quality to the team.”
Minutes have been hard to come by for Targett over the past couple of years. Fitness issues have seen him fall down the pecking order, his last Premier League start coming in September 2023.
But with a full pre-season under his belt, Targett is fully fit and ready to make his Middlesbrough debut. That could come on Saturday when Edwards’ side are at home to Sheffield United.
Matt Targett’s exit opens the door for Newcastle United youngster
With Targett leaving, Newcastle United are short of a left-back.
That position currently belongs to Tino Livramento, but it will eventually go back to Lewis Hall. He made his first competitive Toon appearance since February on Monday, coming on as a substitute during Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool.
With Livramento and Hall, Newcastle are well-stocked at left-back. But if either of them are unavailable, there could be an opening for Alex Murphy.
The 21-year-old was part of the Magpies’ pre-season preparations, but has not featured in either of Eddie Howe’s Premier League squads so far. Instead, the Irish defender has made two appearances for the Newcastle United Under-21s.
But Murphy will be on standby, and is no doubt keen to add to the two Premier League appearances he has already made during his short Newcastle United career.