Newcastle player says he’s decided to leave because he wasn’t being played enough
The life of a professional footballer is often defined by the need to play regularly, to feel the grass under your boots and contribute to a team’s journey.
For Matt Targett, that fundamental desire is the driving force behind his decision to leave Newcastle United and join Middlesbrough on a loan deal until the end of the season.
After a period of limited opportunities on Tyneside, the 29-year-old defender has chosen to step down to the Championship, seeking the one thing every athlete craves: minutes on the pitch.
In his first interview since completing the move, Targett was refreshingly honest about his reasons for switching clubs.
Speaking to Middlesbrough’s official YouTube channel, he explained that a lack of playing time at Newcastle made this the right moment for a change. “I haven’t played much football recently,” he stated. “I’m at an age where I want to play. When I found out Middlesbrough were interested, that was the club that I wanted to come to.”
His words reflect the simple, universal truth in sports—talent wants to be used, and competitors need to compete.
Targett’s move to Teesside comes at an exciting time for Boro. The club currently sits second in the Championship table, enjoying a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign under manager Mark Edwards.
For a player of Targett’s experience a veteran of more than 150 Premier League appearances—this represents a perfect opportunity.
He arrives fit, motivated, and ready to contribute both on and off the field, hoping his top-flight know-how can help bolster Middlesbrough’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.
His departure from Newcastle, while temporary, also signals a shifting dynamic within Eddie Howe’s squad. In recent seasons, Targett found himself increasingly sidelined, partly due to fitness issues and increased competition for places.
His last league start came back in September 2023, and despite being fully fit after a complete pre-season, the pathway to regular football at St. James’ Park remained blocked.
Newcastle’s current left-back position is primarily held by Tino Livramento, with Lewis Hall—another highly regarded young defender also waiting in the wings.
Hall made his long-awaited return from injury during Monday’s match against Liverpool, reminding everyone of the quality and depth Newcastle possess in that role.
With Targett’s exit, the door may now open further for another promising academy product, Alex Murphy, to step up and gain experience around the first-team environment.
From a personal perspective, this loan move makes complete sense for Targett. At 29, he is entering what many consider the prime years for a defender, and sitting on the bench does little for his development or satisfaction.
At Middlesbrough, he will have a chance to rediscover his rhythm, play competitive matches week in and week out, and help a talented squad chase a meaningful goal.
For Newcastle, the loan deal is a practical solution. It allows a valued professional to seek playing time elsewhere while ensuring the club retains depth and options within the squad.
Sometimes the best business is not just about who you bring in, but how you manage the players you have. In this case, everyone wins—Targett gets his chance to shine, Boro gain top-level experience, and Newcastle continue to plan for the future with a clear and balanced roster.