'Massive' - Premier League star name-checks Sunderland after leaving Newcastle United
A former Newcastle United star has signed a two-year deal with Premier League newcomers Hull City.
Former Newcastle United defender Matt Targett has penned a two-year deal with Premier League newcomers Hull City - and immediately cited Sunderland as an inspiration for his new club upon their return to the top flight.
The left-back initially joined the Magpies on loan in January 2022 and played a part in helping Eddie Howe’s side race away from the Premier League relegation zone and a secure a mid-table finish by the end of the campaign. Targett remained part of the United squad over the following seasons before spending almost the entirety of last season on loan with North East neighbours Middlesbrough.
However, any chances of securing a permanent deal with Kim Hellberg’s men came to an end with their Championship play-off final defeat against Hull City as a goal from Oli McBurnie ensured the Tigers ended their nine-year absence from the Premier League. The likes of West Ham United and Norwich City were named as potential suitors for Targett after his Newcastle contract came to an end earlier this summer as they looked to piece together a squad capable of challenging for promotion into the top flight during the new season.
Targett will feature in the Premier League after he held talks with Hull owner Acun Ilicali over the weekend before penning a two-year deal to become the latest new addition to Sergej Jakirović’s squad. The Tigers have been widely tipped to make an immediate return to the Championship - but Targett has stressed the impressive performances of Sunderland and Leeds United throughout their first season back in English football’s elite should give his new side ‘huge confidence’ they can make an impact during the new campaign.
‘Huge confidence’
He told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted to be here. It was during the England game on Saturday night that my agent rang me and said Hull City were interested. The next minute, I was on a phone call with the owner. He is very invested in the football club and speaks very passionately, so it didn’t take much convincing to join. Speaking to boys who have been here previously, they spoke very highly of the club, so it was a no-brainer.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge, but we can take huge confidence from what the likes of Sunderland and Leeds did last season. I’m at an age now where I feel like I am an experienced head to pass on previous experience of the Premier League to players who have not been in this situation. I’m hoping I’ll be a huge help in the dressing room. It’s a great group, very welcoming and easy to fit in. I played with Jack Butland at England youth level – he’s the only one I knew coming into the team. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans and hopefully we can get the place rocking for the new season.”
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