Matt Targett joins Hull City on a permanent two-year deal

Matt Targett has completed a permanent transfer to Hull City, signing a two-year contract with the Championship club. The 28-year-old left-back departs Newcastle United after a loan spell at Southampton last season.

Background and Premier League pedigree

Targett came through the academy at Southampton, making over 40 appearances for the first team before joining Aston Villa in 2019. He played a key role in Villa's survival in the 2019-20 Premier League campaign, contributing four assists that season. In January 2022, he moved to Newcastle United on an initial loan, which was made permanent the following summer. During his time at St James' Park, he made 58 appearances across all competitions but found opportunities limited after the arrival of Dan Burn and later Lewis Hall.

Last season, Targett spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Southampton, where he played 13 times in all competitions, including five appearances in the Championship play-off run. His experience at both ends of the pitch — combining defensive solidity with overlapping runs — makes him a valuable addition to Hull's backline.

Impact at Hull City: tactical fit and competition

Hull City, under manager Tim Walter, are aiming to push for a top-six finish in the Championship after a mid-table finish last season. Targett's arrival adds Premier League quality to a left-back position that was previously held by Ryan Giles, who has since moved to Luton Town. Giles provided five assists in 28 league starts for Hull last season, but Targett offers greater defensive awareness and set-piece delivery — a trait that could improve Hull's output from dead-ball situations.

At Newcastle, Targett averaged 1.2 tackles per 90 minutes and 0.8 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League, while his crossing accuracy of 28% was among the better full-backs at the club. He is expected to compete directly with left-back Brandon Fleming for the starting role.

  • Targett played under Eddie Howe at Newcastle, who demands high pressing from full-backs; his adaptation to Walter's possession-based system will be key.
  • Hull ranked 14th in the Championship for goals scored from set pieces last season (11); Targett's delivery could improve that area.
  • His presence also provides a reliable option for the defensive phase, with Hull conceding 58 goals in 46 league matches last term.

What this means for the Championship picture

Hull City have made a statement signing in Targett, whose experience of winning promotion through the play-offs (with Southampton in 2023-24) could be invaluable. Currently, Hull are mid-table in the early Championship season, but with Targett's nous and ability to contribute in both boxes, Walter's side now possesses a more balanced left flank. The next few fixtures — against Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United — will test how quickly Targett integrates into a new tactical setup. If he replicates his form from Southampton's play-off run, Hull could emerge as dark horses for a top-six berth.

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