Newcastle United make Matt Targett decision after Middlesbrough FC loan and Leeds United link
Newcastle United confirm decision on Matt Targett following Middlesbrough loan and Leeds United link
Newcastle United have confirmed the release of Matt Targett following his season on loan at Middlesbrough.
The 30-year-old spent the 2025/26 campaign at the Riverside, playing a key role in their run to the Championship play-off final.
He made a total of 46 appearances for the club, the last of which came in the play-off final loss to Hull City.
Matt Targett decision made by Newcastle United
Targett will not be returning to the Newcastle fold this summer, as the Premier League club have confirmed he will depart upon the expiry of his contract.
The former England youth international will leave St James’ Park on a free transfer, over four years after Newcastle paid a reported £15m fee to prise him from Aston Villa.
Targett is seeking pastures new alongside goalkeepers John Ruddy and Max Thompson and defenders Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth.
The Magpies said: “All players depart the club with the thanks and best wishes for the future from everybody at Newcastle United.”
Matt Targett’s future after Middlesbrough loan spell
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Targett, who was linked with Premier League outfits Leeds United and Everton in April.
He has also been reported as a potential target for Championship outfit Derby County by Football League World. Teesside Live, meanwhile, have indicated a Riverside return is not on the cards for the left-back.
In an interview with Sky Sports last month, Targett had expressed his hope of securing promotion with Middlesbrough and earning a deal.
He said: “The future? I’m not sure to be honest. I believe I’m done at Newcastle so that chapter is closed. Hopefully we get promoted here 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.
“It was really important to me that I could come here and prove I can play a full season with no injuries. I had a chat with Eddie Howe in January and he was so understanding about my situation, so I thank him for that. He knew it was beneficial for me, that I wanted to keep playing.”