£15M Newcastle Star Who Feared Exit Now on Brink of Wembley Appearance

Matt Targett spent January uncertain about his future at Newcastle United as the club explored winter sales to comply with PSR regulations.

The 29-year-old left-back, originally from Eastleigh, has endured a torrid time with injuries over the past three seasons, struggling with heel issues, hamstring troubles, and Achilles problems.

When Amanda Staveley sanctioned the permanent signing of Targett from Aston Villa in 2022, he was a key figure in Eddie Howe’s evolving Newcastle squad.

Having played a crucial role in securing the club’s Premier League survival, Targett was full of ambition, even discussing his hopes of breaking into the England squad during Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Austria.

However, a heel injury early in the 2022/23 campaign derailed those aspirations, allowing Dan Burn to step in and cement his place in the team.

The following season proved even more challenging. Targett suffered a hamstring injury before even kicking a ball in a Carabao Cup victory against Manchester United, cutting his campaign short before it had truly begun.

This season, he has found himself behind both Burn and Lewis Hall in the battle for the left-back position.

With 46 appearances for Newcastle, Targett appeared to be on the transfer list in January, with Leeds United reportedly interested in signing him.

His exit seemed likely, but a sudden shift in circumstances has brought him back into contention.

Hall’s injury, combined with Newcastle’s defensive struggles due to knocks to Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento, has placed Targett on the verge of a recall.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Eddie Howe praised Targett’s professionalism and commitment:

“Matt is a great professional and a fantastic teammate.

He is very popular in the dressing room and on the training ground, always diligent in his work.

Despite his injury struggles over the past three years, he has looked after himself well.

“When he has returned to fitness, he has performed well and settled back in.

However, Lewis Hall has been in great form this season, which has limited Matt’s opportunities. But now, a potential opening has emerged for him.”

A return to the starting lineup against West Ham or even an appearance in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool would be a dream scenario for Targett.

Having experienced defeat in the 2020 final with Aston Villa against Manchester City, he would be highly motivated to make the most of another chance.

Howe added: “He is a player who will never let us down. He has a lovely left foot and is a technically gifted player.

There could be opportunities for him on the horizon.”

If any player deserves a change in fortune, it’s certainly the 29-year-old.