Newcastle United defender Matt Targett has admitted his time at St James’ Park is over, admitting his “chapter at the club is over” as he focuses on a permanent future elsewhere.
The 30-year-old left-back, currently on season-long loan with promotion-chasing Middlesbrough, has spoken candidly about his situation following a string of impressive performances in the Championship.
After two injury-plagued years on Tyneside, Targett has revived his career in style at the Riverside Stadium.
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Matt Targett says his job at Newcastle is done
talk to sky sportsTargett revealed that a conversation with Magpies manager Eddie Howe in January paved the way for him to leave the club permanently.
Although his contract runs until June 2027, both sides appear to have reached a mutual understanding that a return to Newcastle’s first team is unlikely.
“I spoke to Eddie in January and he was very understanding of my situation and I’m grateful for that. He knew it would be beneficial for me to stay at Middlesbrough and he wanted me to continue playing. What about the future? I don’t know, to be honest. I believe my time at Newcastle is done, so that chapter is closed.”
Targett’s biggest goal now is to secure a permanent move to Boro if he can survive the upcoming play-offs.
“If I can get promoted here I will get a contract…but if not then I will consider my options as I have played as much as I can this season.”
Matt Targett’s time at Newcastle
Targett was a key player for the club during the 2021/22 season, initially joining on loan from Aston Villa, providing defensive stability and helping the club avoid relegation.
His move became permanent for £15 million that summer, with many seeing him as a cornerstone of a new era.
But the subsequent rise of Dan Byrne and the addition of Lewis Hall, combined with a series of debilitating hamstring and heel injuries, caused him to fall down the pecking order.
Between 2023 and 2025, Targett made just a handful of appearances in the Premier League, before eventually being forced out on loan.
Newcastle are currently focused on a young, high-ceiling defensive target for the 2026/27 season, and his departure marks the end of a reliable, if injury-plagued, spell for the veteran full-back.
