Southampton weighing free transfer club return for Matt Targett

Southampton are monitoring former Saint Matt Targett after the left-back has emerged as an interesting free agent following his impressive loan spell in the Championship.

The upcoming summer transfer window had long been touted as a challenging one for Southampton. Initially, the challenge was to retain star players like Léo Scienza and Shea Charles, but the Spygate aftermath has left the club fearing even more exits rather than focusing on possible signings.

But as time progresses, the Saints are expected to jump into the transfer market sooner rather than later. A recent transfer update regarding the club may prove to be their first interest in strengthening the side this summer.

Notably, the player in question is a former Saint, Matt Targett. Having had an impressive loan spell with Middlesbrough in the Championship, Southampton are monitoring the left‑back’s situation as he is set to become a free agent this summer.

Sportsboom reported Southampton’s interest in Targett, quoting: “Matt Targett is set to leave Newcastle United as a free agent. Middlesbrough lead the chase after his successful loan spell, but Derby, Southampton, Coventry, Leeds and Everton are all monitoring the situation.”

Matt Targett’s impressive 2025/26 spell interests Southampton

Matt Targett’s career trajectory has seen multiple highs and lows since he left St. Mary’s for Aston Villa in 2019. Although the full‑back soon emerged as a quality signing for the Villans, it hasn’t always been an easy ride for him.

After having established himself as the starting left‑back for Villa, Targett had to join Newcastle on loan at the peak of his prowess to get regular playing time after being displaced by Lucas Digne at Villa Park.

However, Targett’s Newcastle spell didn’t work out as planned. Although his impressive loan saw him permanently join the Magpies in the summer of 2022, the left‑back played only 17, 3, and 2 games for them in successive Premier League campaigns before leaving for Middlesbrough on a Championship loan.

What’s worth noting is that a 2025/26 Championship spell with Boro has brought Targett back into contention for a summer move. The left‑back stood as one of the most consistent players for Boro in their journey to the playoff final, registering 8 goal contributions in the 46 appearances he made.

Matt Targett rediscovering his form after multiple injury‑hit seasons, has surely garnered Southampton’s attention as well. With his Newcastle contract coming to an end, the Saints could fancy a free transfer return move for the left‑back this summer.

Can Matt Targett prove to be a smart move for Saints?

It goes without saying that transfer interest escalates when the player in question is a former player. However, Southampton cannot let any such emotion influence them as they need to bolster their roster to aid their promotion push next season.

From a sporting perspective, Targett’s recent form generates little scepticism for a potential move. But his transfer consideration cannot be decided on his 2025/26 campaign alone, especially given his poor injury history.

Southampton have already been juggling fitness concerns in the left‑back department, with Welington unavailable for most of the time. In that context, signing Matt Targett doesn’t come without risk, even if the former Saint possesses the elite pedigree to help Southampton’s cause.

Moving to the financial aspect of a possible deal, a move for Matt Targett becomes even more complicated. With Targett being one of the highest‑paid players in the Championship during the 2025/26 season, it remains doubtful how Southampton could afford a Premier League‑calibre wage for a player while still in the Championship.

Overall, Matt Targett remains a potential option, but not a must‑pursue for Southampton right now. Should the club be forced to part ways with Ryan Manning or Welington, they could then make the next move on a possible return for free agent Matt Targett.