Matt Targett's exit was confirmed in Middlesbrough's retained list
14:00, 28 May 2026
Middlesbrough's Matt Targett celebrates scoring
Middlesbrough's Matt Targett celebrates scoring(Image: PA)
Matt Targett has reacted after his Middlesbrough exit was confirmed in the club’s retained list.
The left-back spent the season on loan at Boro from Newcastle United and became a key player under Kim Hellberg. He made 46 appearances in total, scoring four goals and adding four assists.
It was a great season for the defender, who’d struggled for game-time in recent years at St James’ Park, and he regularly showed his commitment to the cause, playing out of position during a defensive injury crisis, and playing through his own injury issue too.
As Boro’s season ended in disappointment at Wembley, however, Targett’s future is uncertain. He was included in the club’s list of players leaving the club, as his loan deal comes to an end.
Posting on Instagram immediately after the club’s statement, Targett wrote: “Gutting way for it all to end. Felt like we had a special group of players that had enough to get this club back to the premier league.
“Massive thank you to the fans that’s supported us throughout the season and me personally, it means a lot.”
At this stage, it’s not known for certain whether Boro may pursue a permanent deal for Targett. He is expected to become a free agent this summer, with his Newcastle contract due to expire.
However, with that not yet confirmed by Newcastle, Boro couldn’t include such detail as to whether or not they’ll hold talks over a permanent contract in their retained list.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Middlesbrough FC latest via the Gazette's dedicated Facebook page
Targett proved a quality addition at left-back - a position that Boro have struggled to fill adequately since Ryan Giles’ first loan spell came to an end in 2023. However, Boro have a long-standing interest in Columbus Crew and USA international Max Arfsten, while failing to win promotion will impact how close they’ll be able to get to Targett’s wage demands.
Meanwhile, three players were confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of their contracts on June 30. They were Jon McLaughlin, Marcus Forss and Dan Barlaser. The latter two spent this season out on loan.
Reacting to his time at Hibernian as it came to an end, Barlaser wrote: “I want to thank the club for the opportunity and trust they placed in me. It has been a privilege to represent this team and play in front of such passionate supporters.”
Here at TeessideLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Middlesbrough FC coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Article continues below
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.