Aston Villa exit detailed piece by piece from Matt Targett
Aston Villa were able to pocket a handy transfer fee very early in the transfer window when they sold Matt Targett to Newcastle United.
The left-back had spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign on loan in the North East and enjoyed his time so much that he wanted a permanent move in the summer.
Lucas Digne’s arrival also hampered his chances at Villa Park and he revealed that St James’ Park was on his mind immediately after a post-season holiday.
“Straight after the season, I just went on holiday for a week. Then, when I got back, rang my agent,” Targett said, as quoted by Birmingham Live.
“He said it was on, then it was off. Then went on another holiday, got back, and then they just said ‘yeah, it’s on’. When I landed, I literally came straight to Newcastle, did my medical and it was all good.
“I really enjoyed my football. Yeah, I like the city. I like what it’s got to offer. It was a no-brainer. In terms of where the owners want to take the club. I believe it’s the start of something which is going to be really, really big. It’ll be nice to look back on my career, and say ‘I’ve played for Newcastle United’.”
Upgrade
Since Targett’s exit from the club, Aston Villa have found not just one but two upgrades in terms of left-backs that means his absence is not felt whatsoever.
Digne has been the man for Steven Gerrard so far and summer recruit Ludwig Augustinsson is also someone who can affect a game far more than the outgoing Englishman.
Targett was always a defensive liability at Villa Park as any quick and direct winger saw him struggle to the point of injury no matter the level they played at.
Owen Dale ran him ragged in the League Cup two years ago for Crewe Alexandra and many other snappy attackers have managed to expose him.
That problem is now Eddie Howe’s who has to find some kind of way to make him defend like he is an actual defender and not an under-nine while Gerrard can marvel at his two superior left-backs Digne and Augustinsson.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans kept hold of Douglas Luiz over the summer but was that the right choice when all things are considered?