Matt Targett has sent Newcastle United fans an emotional message after the club’s last home game of the season yesterday evening.
Targett has turned out to be a stellar, under-the-radar signing made by Newcastle United and Eddie Howe on January’s transfer deadline, having started all but one game for the Magpies since his arrival on loan from Aston Villa.
Should Newcastle sign Targett permanently?
Yes!
No!
It’s been reported that Newcastle already have a deal in place whereby they can buy Targett from Villa for just £15m, and while he’s performed well – ranking inside the top four for WhoScored ratings on average – the Magpies have been linked with other left-backs such as Renan Lodi and Aaron Hickey, meaning Targett’s future looks less than clear.
This has been emphasised even more through the defender’s latest tweet, which saw him say: “Last game at St James’ Park and what a game it was. Atmosphere was electric once again! 1 more to go.” This was accompanied by a video of him walking alone while waving and putting thumbs up to the Gallowgate End, potentially pointing towards no return next season.
TIF Thoughts on Targett’s future…
While £15m for a proven Premier League left-back would appear good business on paper, if the Magpies could land a defender that’s worked under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid and played in the top European competitions in Lodi, that could be a better avenue to explore.
If Monday’s win was to be Targett’s final home game as a Newcastle player, he will likely be remembered very fondly for being part of a side that moved away from the relegation zone and comfortably competed with teams such as Leicester City and Arsenal and added some real defensive solidity on the left-hand side, with the full-back keeping five clean sheets during his time on Tyneside.
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