Newcastle United defender Matt Targett is searching for a new club following the end of his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Matt Targett admits he is gutted at the way his time at Middlesbrough ended.
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Fulham and Newcastle United at Craven Cottage on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)placeholder image
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Fulham and Newcastle United at Craven Cottage on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Targett is returning to Newcastle United following the end of his season-long loan agreement - but only officially until June 30. The left-back is out of contract this summer and hasn’t been offered a new deal on Tyneside.
The 30-year-old joined the Magpies for £15million in 2022 on the back of a successful loan spell from Aston Villa in which he played a key role in helping the side stay up in the Premier League.
Targett, however, rarely featured after that, as various injuries and fitness issues took their toll. That led to Targett joining Boro on loan last summer and has since managed to put those problems behind him.
In January, as Newcastle endured a defensive injury crisis, Eddie Howe considered recalling Targett but respected the player’s wishes to continue to play regularly.
And he did just that on Teesside, making 45 Champions League appearances in total as he and his teammates reached the play-off final, only to lose 1-0 to Hull City at Wembley in the 95th minute last weekend.
Matt Targett ‘gutted’ as Middlesbrough loan spell has heartbreaking end
Kim Hellberg’s side were actually beaten by Southampton in the semi-finals, but were reinstated in the final after the Saints were expelled from the play-offs for being found guilty of multiple breaches of EFL Regulations following the Spygate saga.
But despite their reprieve, Boro would unable to reach the Premier League for the first time in 10 years after Oli McBurnie struck deep into the stoppage time.
Reflecting on his loan spell, Targett wrote on Instagram: “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 ❤️ #UTB”
Matt Targett ‘done’ at Newcastle United
Had Boro gained promotion, then it’s likely Targett would have signed permanently. Where he goes next is currently unknown.
“The future? I’m not sure to be honest,” Targett said earlier this year. “I believe I’m done at Newcastle so that chapter is closed.
“Hopefully we get promoted here (at Boro) and there will be a contract for me…but if not I’ve played as much as I can this season so I’ll assess my options.”
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