Newcastle United confirmed on Tuesday that defender Matt Targett will leave the club following the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
The full-back was named on the club’s retained list for summer 2026, with Newcastle announcing that four more senior players will depart after Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth had already been confirmed as exits.
“Also departing is full-back Matt Targett, who has just completed a season-long loan at Championship side Middlesbrough,” Newcastle United announced.
Targett joined Newcastle from Aston Villa in January 2022, initially on loan, as one of Eddie Howe’s first signings after the PIF takeover. He played an important role in the second half of that season as Newcastle pulled away from relegation trouble and started to gain steam for what would come in the following years.
Newcastle made the move permanent that summer, but injuries and strong competition for minutes at his position limited his role over the following campaigns, leading to his eventual loan and ultimately his upcoming exit.
The 30-year-old spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Middlesbrough, where he returned to regular first-team football in the Championship. Targett finished his time at St James’ Park with 47 appearances for the club.
Newcastle also confirmed that John Ruddy and Max Thompson will leave, while Aaron Ramsdale will return to Southampton after his loan spell. Mark Gillespie will remain for another year.
“All players depart the club with the thanks and best wishes for the future from everybody at Newcastle United,” NUFC closed.
