Newcastle United place £100k/week star on transfer list as Eddie Howe summer exodus ramps up
Newcastle United is preparing for a significant summer shakeup, and one name prominently featured on the departure list is £100,000-a-week defender Matt Targett. The club is reportedly open to offers for the 28-year-old, who joined the Magpies for £15 million in 2022.
Initially arriving on loan in January 2022, Targett played a crucial role in Newcastle’s fight for Premier League survival. His impressive performances earned him a permanent move worth around £15 million that summer. However, his time on the pitch has been limited since then.
The 2022-23 season saw Targett sidelined early due to an injury, allowing Dan Burn to take over the left-back position. Under Burn’s watch, Newcastle not only secured Champions League qualification but also boasted one of the Premier League’s best defensive records.
Unfortunately for Targett, his misfortunes didn’t end there. A hamstring injury just 30 seconds into a 3-0 victory over Manchester United in November sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite his determination to come back stronger, Newcastle United seems prepared to let him go if a suitable offer comes in.
Targett’s hefty weekly wage of £100,000 and a contract running for another two years pose significant challenges for potential buyers. Despite his experience with top-flight clubs like Aston Villa, Southampton, and Fulham, the financial constraints of Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) may deter interest.
Offloading Targett could save Newcastle around £5.2 million annually in wages alone, aside from any potential transfer fee. Manager Eddie Howe is planning a mini exodus from St James’ Park, aiming to refine the squad and avoid past mistakes.
Scottish sources suggest goalkeeper Martin Dubravka might join Celtic, while Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie have already been identified as high-profile exits following the club’s latest retained list announcement. Since making his permanent move from Aston Villa, Targett has managed only 20 Premier League appearances in two years, reflecting his struggle for game time.
The future for Matt Targett at Newcastle United looks uncertain as the club aims to reshape its squad for upcoming challenges. His contributions during his initial loan spell are undeniable, but injuries and competition have significantly hampered his impact.
As Newcastle seeks to balance its books and improve squad efficiency, Targett’s departure seems likely if a club is willing to meet the financial terms. The coming months will reveal whether Targett can secure a move that benefits both him and Newcastle United.
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