Newcastle hero Jose Enrique is unsure over his former club signing Matt Targett for a reported £15m this summer.
Newcastle struck a deal on Deadline Day to take Targett on loan for the remainder of the season, and while there were no reports of having a deal in principle ahead of the summer, reports have now emerged suggesting the Magpies can sign him for just £15m.
Should Newcastle sign Targett?
Yes!
No!
If Eddie Howe has been impressed enough by Targett, it would initially appear that £15m would just be like a drop in the ocean for PIF, who have made the Magpies the wealthiest club in the Premier League.
However, not everyone is convinced by splashing that amount of money on Targett, as Enrique believes they could get someone better and for more value for money.
He said (via The Chronicle): “It’s a lot of money, people talk about £15m like it’s nothing but it is a lot of money. Obviously, if that’s what Newcastle want, then they can afford it with these owners.
“But, maybe they can afford something bigger in the summer. You don’t know, they’ve signed [Kieran] Trippier on the right side. With all of my respect to Matty, obviously, he is not Trippier. That’s the reality.”
TIF Thoughts on Targett…
The English left-back has been a solid addition to the side, with Targett sitting second in the club’s shot-creating actions per 90 minutes table (FBRef) as well as establishing himself as the number-one left-back immediately and forming a good partnership with Dan Burn on the left-hand side of the defence.
While Enrique is not convinced by the prospect of Newcastle spending £15m on Targett, it would appear that he could be a very astute piece of business given he was Aston Villa’s Players’ Player of the Season last term and was only replaced when France international Lucas Digne became available on the market.
It could also be argued that Targett is also an upgrade on Matt Ritchie, who isn’t a natural full-back.
In other news: Insider claims ‘Newcastle will come in’ for £60m star