Matt Targett is staying at Middlesbrough until the end of the season
06:00, 08 Feb 2026
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough(Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock)
Kim Hellberg is relieved to still have Matt Targett at Middlesbrough, admitting the situation was not one he could allow himself to have too much confidence in.
Target is on a season-long loan at Boro from Newcastle. And since signing in the summer, he’s started all but two the of the games he’s been available for, establishing himself as a key player for Hellberg.
Despite that, his loan deal included a recall clause in Newcastle’s favour. The deadline on that recall had to be extended by the Magpies during the January transfer window, with their injury problems causing doubt over the left-back’s future.
With the window now closed though, the 30-year-old has his wish, and he will be seeing the rest of the season out at Boro. That delights Hellberg, who as well as the benefit for Boro on the pitch, sees him as an ideal role model for young January recruit Finley Munroe.
Hellberg admitted: “I was not always confident in him because we didn't control that one, because they could recall him if they get maybe more injuries or something like that.
“So I was always a bit worried about that one. But happily, he's here, and now they cannot recall him, so I'm very happy about that.”
And asked if that could be good news for the development of Munroe, Hellberg agreed: “Matt is a very good person that wants to help all the time. So I cannot see a better left-back to learn from.
“And I also think Finn is quite similar to Matt in the way he plays. They both have a very good left foot. It's going to be very interesting.
“Again, I'm very happy to have Matt here. I think he's shown everyone that he's with the side, to try to do everything for the club and for the team-mates. I’m very happy to still have him here.”
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